SIX players have left Aberystwyth Town as the new management duo of Matthew Bishop and Wayne Jones look to build an exciting new-look squad for next season.

With the FAW players’ registration period ending last Tuesday, it was confirmed that several members of last season’s squad were set to leave the club this summer.

The Seasiders are boosted, however, by news that Welsh Premier Golden Boot Chris Venables and influential midfielder Luke Sherbon have extended their contracts at Park Avenue.

Goalkeeper Mike Lewis, centre backs Lee Surman and skipper Stuart Jones, central midfielder Ross Stephens, winger Craig Williams and striker Rhys Griffiths will all be exiting Park Avenue.

Lewis, Jones and Williams had been at the club for four seasons, each making over 100 Welsh Premier appearances for the Seasiders, and playing in the 2014 Welsh Cup Final and Europa League ties.

Stephens had rejoined the Seasiders for a second period in January 2015 and helped the Club to a fourth place finish, whilst Surman joined the club last June along with Griffiths from Port Talbot Town.

Griffiths, who netted seven goals in 17 starts last season, has taken the position of manager at Welsh League club Penybont, whilst Williams has joined rivals Newtown.

The club has reported that the remainder of the playing squad have been offered new deals, and it is working hard to bring together a fresh squad for the new campaign.

“The first challenge is getting the team together and gelling that team,” Bishop told atfc.org.uk.

“We want to be competitive and take every game seriously, including the Cup games, and let’s see where it takes us. If we adopt a positive attitude you never know.

“It’s going to be tough because of where we are geographically. But we’ve got unbelievable contacts and it’s our job to get the right players in so that we can now move forward as a football club.”

Bishop, a former assistant manager at Newport County, Aldershot and Hereford, has quickly set about working with former Haverfordwest County manager Jones.

“We’re already busy and have been for the past few weeks. I’m speaking to ‘Wolvesy’ two or three times a day about things, players and what we can do,” he said.

“We’re looking to bring some fresh faces into the squad and freshen things up a bit, so that we can have a team that’s competitive.

“Ultimately, the priority for Wayne and I is to come in and reinvigorate the squad, and we can look forward to the new campaign.

“We want a team that’s fit and a team that will work hard. We want to play and get the ball down. We’ve got a new 3G pitch coming in, which help spread the play.”

He added: “It’s about looking for value for the money. We want good players at the club, players that are hungry, and are willing to work hard and want to win things.

“It’s about getting a side together that can be competitive. If you’ve got players that are hard working, willing to sacrifice, and add that with a bit of talent, you can get some success out of it, and that’s what we want. We’re looking to add some legs and to give it a go.

“It will be tough as some of the big boys are spending big money. But we want to assemble a squad that is competitive, will give it a go and entertain at the same time.

“I’m delighted to be given an opportunity to manage a big club in the Welsh Premier. It’s lovely to be back in the town and I’m looking forward to exciting times ahead.”

The FAW transfer window will reopen on Thursday, 9 June.