Fulham cull includes Duff and Sidwell

Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell are among the out-of-contract players being released by Fulham following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Giorgos Karagounis, Mahamadou Diarra, John Arne Riise, John Heitinga, Matthew Briggs, Derek Boateng and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge are also leaving Craven Cottage.

Republic of Ireland international Duff spent five years with the Whites and made 173 appearances for them, including in the 2010 Europa League final.

Sidwell is set to move on.
Sidwell is set to move on

The club had been discussing a new deal for midfielder Sidwell but he too is on the released list – having been Fulham’s top scorer last season.

Greek midfield veteran Karagounis was a popular figure during his time in SW6, while former Real Madrid star Diarra was brought back on a short-term basis after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Riise looked to be on his way out under former boss Martin Jol, but he featured during the second half of the campaign and his final appearance for Fulham, against Stoke, was his 100th.

Netherlands defender Heitinga was signed from Everton in January as part of the unsuccessful attempt to stay up, while Boateng was unable to make an impact during his season at the club.

Etheridge and Briggs failed to establish themselves despite the latter showing real potential when he initially broke into the first team in 2007.

Youngsters Charles Banya, Alex Brister, Dino Islamovic, Ronny Minkwitz, Max Oberschmidt and Josh Pritchard have also been released.

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