Cheltenham trio can leave - Allen

Allen hopes to reduce Town's wage bill so he can strengthen his squad

Cheltenham boss Martin Allen has told three senior players that they can leave the struggling League One club.

Goalkeeper Shane Higgs, 31, defender Gavin Caines, 25, and midfielder Alex Russell, 25, have been made available.

BBC Radio Gloucestershire understands that Russell may go on loan to Port Vale before Thursday's loan deadline.

Robins boss Martin Allen said: "I need to improve the starting XI which costs money. I'd like to keep all my players but I have to work as best I can."

Cheltenham will not be paying up the trio's contracts but will not be asking fees for any of them if there is any interest.

Higgs and Caines have deals lasting until next summer, while Russell is contracted at Whaddon Road until 2010.

If we were winning, had sell-out crowds every week and were in the top six, then these players would be staying but we've got to do what we've got to do

Cheltenham boss Martin Allen

Speaking after Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Southend, Allen, who is keen to make loan signings of his own to strengthen his squad, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "They are good players but we have got too many players here.

"If they are not in the team, they are available. Fact. We have not been winning games and something has got to change."

The Robins are second bottom of League One. And Allen added: "If we were winning, had sell-out crowds every week and were in the top six, then these players would be staying but we've got to do what we've got to do.

"To fill the ground we have to win matches because people will pay to watch a winning team."