June is always a crunch time for young professionals with expiring contracts at big clubs like [Everton](https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com). On the one hand they have earned a little pedigree while being involved with top players. On the other hand, for the majority, many will find themselves at League One or Two clubs without the supporting technology, sports equipment, sports scientists/ analysts that they have been accustomed to working with.
It’s a cruel time also for a young developing player to suffer injuries. My first reaction when I saw the “released list” was that nearly all the players moving on had suffered long and/ or frequent injuries in the last 12 months or so. All had at one point shown promise. It’s no doubt a key factor in the Toffees’ decision making as it has proven to be at senior level also.
David Moyes wants players who can put in a really good appearance level. It’s not great having a truly talented player that cannot handle the rigours of top flight football.
The key additional factor of course with players between the age of 18 to 21 is that they have only just finished growing physically and that can be an additional strain on them.
The released list was as follows:
* **Billy Crellin** and **Zan-Luk Leban** (goalkeepers)
* **Jack Tierney** and **Jack Butler** (defenders)
* **Luke Butterfield** (defensive midfielder)
* **Matthew Apter** and **Owen Barker** (attacking midfielders)
Of those players, **Butterfield** can count himself perhaps the unluckiest. He’s 21 now so it is the right time to move on but he’s maybe going to be one of the first to be snapped up. His reading of the game, tackling and poise on the ball will serve him well.
**Crellin** also is certain to get fixed up having had several loans at Football League clubs already.
The long list of players offered first time or renewed terms is an encouraging one. It’s especially pleasing to see **Coby Ebere** given more opportunity after his promising start has been disrupted by injuries.
The list is as follows:
**Fraser Barnsley** (goalkeeper)
**George Finney**, **Luca Davis**, **Aled Thomas**, **Joshua van Schoor** (defenders)
**Harvey Foster**, **Jack Patterson**, **Callum Bates** (midfielders)
**Isaac Heath** and **Coby Ebere** (wingers)
Besides all of those of course there are an additional 15 young professionals already signed to the club and together, the 25 or 26 will form the nucleus of the Under 21 squad this coming pre-season.
It remains to be seen if all offers will be accepted by the youngsters and also whether (or more likely, how many) go out on development loans.
Good luck to them all!