Soccer: Cambridge release eight

Cambridge have released Neil Mustoe, Demba Traore, Adam Butterworth, Tom Cowan, Dale Cockrill, Dean Walling, Mattie Clements and Leon Kelly.

In addition, midfielder Ian Ashbee, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has turned down a new deal and looks set to leave.

A club spokesman said: ‘‘Cutbacks are being made all across the club in light of our relegation and the ITV Digital situation, and this is the most visible area.

‘‘Due to our finances we have a size of squad that we simply wouldn’t be able to afford to maintain.

‘‘Ian Ashbee is still very much wanted by manager John Taylor but he has turned down a contract and it now looks very unlikely that he will stay.’’