Burley axes rams stars

Derby manager George Burley has released four players in the wake of his side’s play-off failure.

They have released captain Ian Taylor, midfielder Marco Reich, striker Junior and defender Chris Makin. Although Makin’s future will be reviewed in the summer.

However, Burley has offered defender Pablo Mills a new contract.

“It has been a difficult decision,” said Burley. “All these players have done their best for the club, and they all depart with our best wishes for the future,” he told the club’s official website, www.dcfc.co.uk.

The Rams, who are around £40m (€58m) in debt, lost 2-0 on aggregate against Preston to leave them condemned to their fourth year in the Championship.