Abbott took charge at Brunton Park in October 2008

Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott has begun restructuring his side for next season by releasing four players.

Midfielders Michael Burns, Emmanuel Richardson and Gavin Rothery will all leave Brunton Park once their current contracts run out.

Defender Simon Lakeland is also set to leave the club.

Abbott told the club website: "We're looking for a much more compact squad next season so the work that we do in the summer will be with that in mind."

He added: "It is the most difficult time of year and all of these lads have worked hard.

"We do have to look ahead though and as we move the squad forward we are faced with decisions like these."

Lakeland, 18, is a product of the clubs Youth Training Scheme, but failed to make an impact at Brunton Park, while Rothery, 22, and former Liverpool trainee Burns, have also failed to start any games for the side this season.

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