WANDERERS have confirmed their retained list with the release of four first team players.

Kieran Lee, Joel Dixon, Elias Kachunga and Lloyd Isgrove have been told they will not be offered new contracts with the club.

MJ Williams has taken up the option of an extra year, having hit the requisite number of appearances in the 2022/23 season.

New deals have been offered to Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Josh Sheehan.

Whilst the release of Kachunga and Isgrove had been pre-empted somewhat by statements released by the players involved in social media, Lee’s exit will no doubt raise most eyebrows among the Bolton supporters.

The experienced midfielder has made 41 appearances this season, scoring three times, but a persistent hip injury left him struggling to start games.

Whilst the 34-year-old continued to feature as a substitute, he was named from the start only twice by Ian Evatt between the end of February and the end of the season.

Lee initially signed on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday in January 2020, becoming a driving force in the promotion season and establishing Bolton back in League One.

He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 11 goals.

Kachunga – who also made 91 appearances in two seasons with Bolton, scoring eight times – confirmed his departure in a message on social media.

“Thankyou to all the supporters who have been there for the whole season and thankyou to the people who have supported me personally too.

“I would like to wish Bolton all the best for the future.

“Special thankyou to the amazing staff who have always taken care of me and my family, I will keep this always in my heart.

“Keep smiling and God bless you all. Kacha.”

Isgrove also penned a thank-you to the club and its supporters via Twitter, having learned that his contract would not be renewed.

“After three seasons full of highs and lows I want to thank all the fans for their unbelievable support,” he said.

“It’s been a pleasure to play for you and I wish you and the club nothing but success in the future.

“Massive thanks to all the staff at the club who made me feel at home since the day I signed. All the best and I will always be a Wanderer.”

Keeper Joel Dixon played 36 times for Wanderers and having begun the 2021/22 campaign as first choice, but later fell behind James Trafford and his appearances restricted to the club competitions.

Loan players Trafford, Conor Bradley, Shola Shoretire, Dan Nlundulu and Luke Mbete also returned to their parent clubs.

A club statement added: “All those leaving this summer do so with the thanks and best wishes for the future of everyone connected with Wanderers.”