Windass and Bridges are released in major Tigers clear-out

(GETTY IMAGES)

Hull City have let go of eight players, including Dean Windass and Michael Bridges, at the end of their contracts as they prepare to build a squad for a second season in the Premier League.

Windass scored the play-off goal against Bristol City at Wembley that clinched promotion a year ago but the 39-year-old forward started only one Premier League match and spent two months on loan at Oldham Athletic. He has been linked with a coaching role under new manager Colin Todd at Darlington.

Bridges did not play for Hull last season and was on loan at Carlisle United in League One.

Ryan France, one of four players to play for Hull in all four divisions, was also released as manager Phil Brown made space in the Tigers squad for new arrivals along with John Welsh, James Bennett, Joe Lamplough, Matthew Plummer and Tom Woodhead.