Aberdeen have announced five players are to leave the club’s youth academy, while three have penned new deals.

Former Manchester City forward Joe Nuttall, goalkeeper Robbie Mutch and midfielders Jamie Henry, Dylan Thomas and Aaron Norris have all been released.

But forward Bruce Anderson, who won the Development Player of the Year Award, goalkeeper David Craddock and defender Harlain Mbayo earned new deals until 2018.

Paul Sheerin said of the departures: “It is always an extremely tough time at this stage of the season when you have to let boys go.

“The majority of the players I have worked with since I arrived at the club three years ago.

“They have been with me throughout that spell and their attitude has always been first class.

“We would like to wish them all the very best for the future.”

Nuttall is the biggest surprise on the list after arriving to much intrigue.

But the striker indicated his time at the club was over yesterday via a post on Twitter.