Blackpool release former Colchester United duo

The pair are two of 12 players leaving the Tangerines, following their relegation to the Championship.

1/3: The Club would like to thank all of the players for their efforts throughout the season, and wishes all of them the very best for their futures, particularly the eight from the promotion winning side from 2021.

🔸 Kevin Stewart
🔸 Gary Madine
🔸 Luke Garbutt
🔸 Keshi… pic.twitter.com/vJ90dx4RUb

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 16, 2023

Lubala spent three years with Blackpool, where he made 21 appearances.

The 25-year-old winger made 12 league and cup appearances on loan at Colchester, in the first half of this season.

2/3:

🔸 Beryly Lubala
🔸 Jordan Thorniley
🔸 Stuart Moore

🍊 #UTMP pic.twitter.com/5KyljFmOGk

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 16, 2023

Writing on social media, he said: “When I joined Blackpool, I had dreams of achieving promotion to the Championship. I’m honoured to have been a part of the team that did that.

‘Many things changed significantly for me after this.

‘Despite the challenges, I thank God that I was able to come through them all.

‘I am very thankful to each and every coach and member of staff that worked with me during my three years at the club. In this entire period, you, the supporters, continued to stand by me.

When I joined Blackpool, I had dreams of achieving promotion to the Championship. I’m honoured to have been a part of the team that did that.

Many things changed significantly for me after this. Despite the challenges, I thank God that I was able to come through them all. I am… pic.twitter.com/1bHaxCgk85

— Beryly Logos Lubala (@berylylubala) May 16, 2023

‘I thank each and every one of you for supporting me through thick and thin. I will never forget this.

‘It is time for me to move on and have a completely fresh start. I will remember the fans fondly and will look forward to seeing you again one day soon.

‘For now, I wish you the best for the coming season and hopefully the club can bounce back. Because you fans all deserve it.’

Garbutt spent three years at Blackpool where he played 63 times, scoring four times.

The 29-year-old made a big impression while on loan at Colchester from Everton, in the 2013-14 season.

He made 20 appearances for the U’s in total, scoring three times.

Garbutt went onto have loan spells at the likes of Fulham and Ipswich Town.