Surrey let Saker and Clinton go

Surrey have announced they will not renew contracts for seamer Neil Saker and opening batsman Richard Clinton.

Saker, 24, joined Surrey’s full-time staff in 2003 and played in 18 matches for the county, taking 31 wickets at an average of 51. His best performance was a career-best 5-76 against Lancashire in May 2007.

Neil Saker in action during Surrey's meeting with Kent in the Friends Provident Trophy

Clinton, 27, son of former Surrey batsman Graeme, came to prominence in 2004 when former coach Steve Rixon called him into the side to open against Worcestershire.

He made 73 and went on to play 23 first-class matches, making one hundred against Kent in 2005, averaging just over 26.

Second team coach Nadeem Shahid paid tribute to the duo: "I’d like to thank both players on the club’s behalf for their commitment and effort put in during their time here.

"Neil and Richard are talented and hard working cricketers and we wish them all the best for the future."

Managing director of Surrey Cricket Gus Mackay added: "We were faced with an extremely difficult choice to make but you have to do what you think is best for the squad going forward.

"The decision was made in the best interests of the club and the players involved.

"They can now pursue better opportunities elsewhere and we can now focus on getting our squad right ahead of an extremely important year in 2009."