Three more Southend United players have been shown the exit door as Blues boss Alan Little starts to rebuild the Third Division strugglers.

l Following his decision to let German midfielder Lars Unger return home, the Shrimpers chief has released centre-half Keith Dublin, right-back Andy Harris and forward Steve McGavin on free transfers.

"These three players' contracts were up for renewal, but they don't figure in my long-term plans and I have decided to let them leave Roots Hall," explained Little.

"They all accepted my decision and in all honesty I think they were expecting to be released."

Dublin is Southend's longest-serving player and has made nearly 200 league and cup appearances for the Seasiders.

However, the 33-year-old will now have to find himself a new club along with former Liverpool youngster Harris and 30-year-old forward McGavin, who only recently joined Blues on a free transfer from Wycombe Wanderers.

Little admitted though, that it was a tough decision to release ex-Southend skipper Harris, who has made 72 league appearances for Blues.

"Andy is a very good player and I'm sure he will have no trouble in finding another club," said Little.

"I must admit that I could be making a very big mistake letting Andy leave us because he's got a great attitude and is totally committed to this club and his profession.

"But he has had a lot of injury problems recently and my decision was based on economics as Andy plays in a position which we are already well accounted for and I need to cut our wage bill."

However, Little has offered two other out-of-contract players - winger Adrian Clarke and midfielder Kevin Maher - new one-year deals at Roots Hall.

"I've been impressed by what I've seen in these two lads and I believe they can play a part here next season," he said.

"Both of them have been offered new terms, with an option to renegotiate their deals at Christmas, which should give them an added incentive to settle down and do well.

"Now it's down to them to make up their minds about the offers we have made them and decide if they want to stay with us."

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