GARY Waddock’s first task on his return for a second spell as Aldershot Town manager was to confirm the extension of Jake Gallagher’s contract for 2016-17.

The club have activated a clause in the midfielder’s existing deal, signed when he joined the Shots from Welling United last summer.

The England C international, who was named both Players’ Player of the Year and Away Travel Group Player of the Year, made 36 appearances and scored two goals.

New contracts have also been offered to Cheye Alexander, Supporters’ Player of the Year Omar Beckles, 14-goal top scorer Charlie Walker, and Jack Saville.

No less than nine players have been released, including assistant manager Chris Barker, goalkeepers Phil Smith and Dan Thomas, defender and club captain Sean McGinty and Dan Walker, Sam Hatton, Jim Stevenson, Luke Oliver and Tom Richards.

Joe Oastler and Damon Lathrope have been asked to prove their fitness after injury restricted their appearances in 2015-16. Waddock is yet to speak to Rhys Browne who is on holiday.

Barker made 87 appearances for Aldershot and was also caretaker manager for the final 15 games of last season, helping the club retain Conference status.

The veteran defender was an integral part of Andy Scott’s team which overcame a ten-point deduction in 2013-14 and the following season won a second consecutive Supporters’ Player of the Year Award. He was appointed assistant to Barry Smith.

First-choice keeper Phil Smith has played 94 games in two years and, although now 36, has been a consistent performer this season.