Salford City have released 17 players just days after David Beckham and Gary Neville became sole co-owners of the League Two club.
The dramatic squad overhaul follows the Ammies' eighth-place finish in England's fourth tier last season.
Among those departing is fan favourite Matthew Lund, the club's longest-serving player.
Lund, 34, had been with Salford since 2021, scoring 26 goals in 167 appearances across all competitions.
Matthew Lund is the club's longest-serving player and a fan favourite
PA
Taking to X after his release, Lund wrote: "Salford City it's been a pleasure! Loved my four years at the club. Thanks to all the players, staff and fans."
Ryan Watson, who joined Salford in January 2022, is another significant departure. The midfielder contributed 17 goals and 11 assists in his 137 matches for the club.
Salford have also confirmed they will not be extending contracts to Jon Taylor, James Carr, Callum Morton, Jez Davies, Marcus Dackers and Sandro Da Costa.
Seven academy graduates have also been released.
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Ryan Watson played 137 times for the Ammies
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The mass exodus marks the beginning of a new era at Salford as Beckham and Neville aim to finally achieve promotion to League One, with the club struggling to escape League Two since joining the Football League in 2019.
Beckham and Neville previously held a ten per cent share in the club alongside their ex-Manchester United teammates Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Beckham was the last Class of '92 star to buy a stake in the club five years after his former team-mates initially clubbed together to purchase Salford.
The initial investment from Neville and co came in 2014, and they oversaw four promotions in five years. Since making it to League Two, they have failed to make further progress.
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Neville bought fellow co-owner Lim's stake in the club - which had previously been 50 per cent - last summer in order to "pave the way for a new strategic partner".
Beckham and Neville have since assumed complete control, with their old team-mates relinquishing their ownership stakes in a new consortium including fresh investment.
Beckham, 50, posted on Instagram: "I'm so proud to be part of a new ownership group alongside my mate [Gary Neville] as we begin the next chapter of Salford's journey."
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David Beckham and Gary Neville have led a consortium that has taken Salford City over
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A statement from the club read: "The acquisition includes a commitment by the new shareholders to invest significantly in the club, the team and its facilities."
Salford will be hoping this dramatic squad overhaul can finally deliver promotion after several unsuccessful seasons in League Two.
Their closest attempt at promotion came two years ago when they finished seventh to secure the final play-off spot. That promotion bid ended in disappointment with a 3-1 defeat to local rivals Stockport in the semi-finals.
Stockport are currently participating in the League One Play-Offs, which could see them play Championship football along with Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
