Wearsiders release Woods

Sunderland have released midfielder Martin Woods.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Leeds last summer on a 12-month deal, will not be offered a new contract.

Scotland Under-21 international Woods made eight appearances for the club but only one start, in the 3-0 Carling Cup third-round defeat to Arsenal in October last year.

He was one of 14 players drafted in by former manager Mick McCarthy last summer, although was regarded at the time as one for the future.

However, with the size of the playing squad likely to be reduced in the wake of relegation he is being allowed to leave.

Woods becomes the second player to be released since the end of the season with goalkeeper Joe Murphy having joined Scunthorpe at the weekend.

Managerless Sunderland will announce their retained list later this week as they prepare for life in the Coca-Cola Championship.