It is always a difficult day for followers of the Arsenal academy when the released list is announced with a group of players, some of whom have been at the club for many years, seeing their time with the Gunners come to an end.
That was the case again this year, although many of the departures had been expected for some time, such as that of long-serving forward Khayon Edwards.
It did seem a little unusual, however, that some of the players who are leaving were involved with the first-team squad in the closing stages of the season.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, for instance, was frequently called up and featured as a substitute in the Premier League and the Champions League, while Jimi Gower and Jack Henry-Francis were named on the bench away to Real Madrid as well as for other high-profile games.
This situation emphasises that there is a considerable difference between being named on the bench for the first-team and actually breaking into the squad, although the experience of being around senior players will still have been beneficial for those involved.
It could be argued that Arsenal could have called up other players instead, such as Ismeal Kabia and Michal Rosiak who still have a chance of having a future at the club.
Kabia and Rosiak (if the latter remains at the club) could be candidates for loan spells next season, while Max Dowman will be amongst those hoping to get called up to the first-team.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird