The shock news comes after the heaviest home defeat of the season, a 5-1 thrashing by Hull on Saturday afternoon left the Cumbrians still in relegation trouble. All three players broke the club's strict curfew, which also saw the demise of striker Trevor Molloy earlier this season. Molloy arrived from Bohemians in the summer and was sacked following an undisclosed disciplinary incident in September. "Jamie Burt has gone back to Chesterfield, Des Byrne has had his contract terminated and Brian Shelley has been placed on the transfer list. I don't expect players to disrespect the club after such a performance and break a curfew," said Collins today. Collins himself was the subject of controversy after the game following allegations that he had verbally abused members of the crowd before walking down the tunnel at half-time. With United three goals down and angry home supporters venting their feelings, several fans reported hearing Collins firing back a verbal volley but the manager has so far refused to comment. The potential loss of three players from the squad will not hurt Collins too badly although Byrne had been first choice left back before losing his place to Lee Maddison last month. Maddison's recent injury now leaves a headache at left back with United out of loan slots. Peter Murphy has been filling in down the left and could now continue there until the end of the season. Shelley picked up an injury recently and is facing stiff competition from fans favourite Mark Birch for the right back berth. Burt rarely featured following a debut goal at Hartlepool on New Year's Day. United already have plenty of strikers and Collins will be happy enough with the strength of his forward options although there were reports of interest in Rotherham striker Darren Byfield last week. The 5-1 hammering on Saturday means United have 33 points from 33 games, just 3 points above second-bottom Bristol Rovers. United's next three league fixtures are against fellow relegation strugglers Boston United, Swansea City and Macclesfield Town. Tomorrow night they take their one-goal lead in the LDV Vans Area Final to Shrewsbury for the second leg. The winners will meet Bristol City at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday April 6. The final has a provisional kick off time of 2 o'clock. Picture from News & Star |
