Burnley releases Joey Barton, Michael Kightly
Burnley opted not to offer new contracts to Joey Barton and Michael Kightly after the club released its retained list Tuesday.
Barton, 34, has been serving an 18-month ban since April due to breaching betting regulations, despite only returning to the club in January. Kightly, meanwhile, ends four years at Turf Moor after struggling to rehash the consistent performances he churned out for Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2007-2012.
@BurnleyOfficial Loved playing at Turf Moor. Privileged to have made memories that will last a lifetime with all the players, staff and fans. #UTC
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 23, 2017
"Joey leaves us for the obvious reasons after he has again been a big part of what we have achieved this season," said manager Sean Dyche. "Equally, Kights has been a great servant of the club and always a tremendous person to have around the group.
"Both players have had a big effect on what we have done during their time at Turf Moor and we wish them well, as we do all those leaving this summer."
Burnley is looking to retain two players though, with discussions open to extend George Boyd's and Paul Robinson's deals, which expire in June.