Ards have been advised by four first team squad members that they no longer wish to be selected for the club.

Defenders Philip Major, Johnny Shaw and Robert Smith along with attacker Ian McGrath have all sent word to club officials that they will not be returning to Ards and none of those players took part in Thursday's last training session.

Johnny Shaw

Ian McGrath

Robert Smith

The news follows the departure of first team managers Ray Morrison and Gary Hillis in midweek, who resigned their posts after the Steel & Sons Cup semi-final defeat to HW Welders.

All four of the players concerned have been with the club only a matter of months, having signed on in the summer transfer window. 38 year-old defender Philip Major made only eight appearances in a four month period, perforated by a series of injuries. Johnny Shaw had been a regular fixture in the side since joining from PSNI in the summer, while Robert Smith had taken part in all but one match, prior to Saturday's game against Bangor.

Ian McGrath ends his second spell with the club, having made 12 appearances this term with one goal to his name.

ardsfc.co.uk