WITH Alty's fate now virtually confirmed, Graham Heathcote has begun planning for the new season by releasing three players.

Jake Sedgemore, Carlos Roca and Pat McFadden have all left the club after the Robins boss decided they would not be part of his plans.

There could also be two more departures by the end of the week but Heathcote claimed those particular decisions have been left in the players' hands.

"We've released three and there are now one or two others where decisions are in the players own hands," he said.

"It's a footballing decision. It might have been different if we had been relegated but now that we're in the Blue Square Premier, the amount of football might not be enough for them.

"It's their decision and they have to be honest with themselves."

Sedgemore's time at Alty was largely disappointing, the midfielder never living up to expectations at Moss Lane.

Despite starting the season as a first team regular, Sedgemore lost his place in January after the arrival of several players in the transfer window.

In total, he made 22 appearances for the club, although he only made two substitute appearances since the turn of the year.

Roca arrived at the club in February from Blue Square North promotion contenders Stalybridge Celtic with the reputation as a quick and skilful wideman.

But the former Northwich player struggled to make his mark with the Robins, making just seven substitute appearances as a peripheral figure.

The decision to release McFadden is possibly the hardest of the three, as the striker has been a hardworking and enthusiastic squad member at Alty for the past three seasons.

McFadden graduated from Alty's reserve team, who he joined from amateur side Fletchermoss FC and eventually signed Conference forms in October 2005.

The 21-year-old went on to make 36 appearances for the Robins, of which only six were starts, while also spending loan spells at Trafford, Radcliffe Borough and Leek Town.