RICHARD Rose’s five-season stay at Hereford United has been ended following his release by the club.

The 28-year-old defender, who joined the Bulls in June 2006, is one of seven players to be let go by manager Jamie Pitman as planning begins for the 2011/12 campaign.

Rose is joined by fellow defender Ryan Valentine, midfield trio Sam Gwynne, Daniel Stratford and Aidan Thomas and strikers Sam Malsom and Adrian Patulea.

In addition, centre-half Janos Kovacs and striker Sean Canham, who played 12 games on loan at Kidderminster Harriers towards the end of the season, have been placed on the transfer list.

Both are mid-way through two-year deals handed to them by former boss Simon Davey.

Pitman, who is also in talks with midfielder Rob Purdie over extending his stay at Edgar Street, said: “All the players have given the club all they can this season and have played a part.

“There have been some very hard decisions but they’ve had to be made and I’ve sat down with each and every player over the last few days to talk things through.

“We wish them all the luck in the world for the future.”

Meanwhile, former Hereford defender Tony James, who spent a month on loan at Edgar Street earlier this season, has extended his stay at League Two rivals Burton Albion.