Bira Dembele is a shock inclusion in a list of 13 players released by Stevenage today.

The Frenchman played extremely well at centre-back for Boro and was integral to the club reaching the League Two play-offs. He missed the semi-final loss at Roots Hall after sustaining a head injury in the first leg.

The other players that have been released by Stevenage are: Jon Ashton, Chris Beardsley, Roarie Deacon, Joseph N’Guessan, Fejiri Okenabirhie, George Allen, Sam Beasant, Michael Richens, Harry Worley, Andy Bond, Simon Walton and Calvin Zola.

Chairman Phil Wallace said: “We’d like to thank all 13 players for their efforts but in particular Jon Ashton and Chris Beardsley. Jon leaves us having made over 220 appearances during a successful six year spell and stepped forward as skipper last season. Chris was also part of the successful squad that won consecutive promotions and enjoyed success in the FA Cup. Both have proved key to Stevenage establishing itself as a Football League club under Graham Westley.”