Goalkeeper Dimi Evtimov is one of five players that have been released by Stanley.

The Bulgarian, who made 32 appearances for the Reds since arriving from Burton Albion in January 2019, thanked the club as his 18 months at the Wham Stadium came to an end.

The 26-year-old was brought in after Connor Ripley returned to Middlesbrough to compete with Jonny Maxted for the gloves.

He was sent off twice in his opening nine games for the club, but started this season as No.1, only to lose his place at the turn of the year to loanee Joe Bursik.

“My time at @ASFCofficial has come to an end! It has been a pleasure working and playing alongside some great people,” he wrote on social media. “Massive thank you to the great fans of this club! I wish you all the best in future! Now time for a new chapter.”

Phil Edwards, Zain Francis-Angol, Wilson Carvalho and Erico Sousa have also been informed their contracts won’t be extended.

The League One season was curtailed on Tuesday, with Stanley achieving a 17th-placed finish and in doing so ensured a third consecutive campaign in the third tier.

Tuesday’s decision also signalled the end of several loan spells for Stanley players, including Jerome Opoku who arrived from Fulham in August.

The 21-year-old impressed in his 25 appearances at left back and was one of the most consistent performers for the Reds.

And he said: “I want to thank @ASFCofficial for giving me the chance to play in front of the amazing fans and I have been made to feel part of the Accrington family,” he said.

“I would like to thank the chairman, manager and the coaches for giving me my professional debut. I have gained valuable experience playing with a fantastic bunch of players!

“It is a shame we could not finish the season as I’ve grown to love Accrington. I wish the club and everyone connected with it success in the future.”

Stoke City ‘keeper Bursikalso thanked Stanley for his time at the club in which he played 20 times.

He wrote: “What an experience, with an unbelievable group of players, staff and fans.

“Thank you to everyone involved with @ASFCofficial for the support and love whilst I was wearing your shirt, and a massive thank you to the gaffer for giving me a chance to make my professional debut!”

England youth international Aji Alese was a deadline day arrival from West Ham United, and played 10 times in all.

“Unfortunately the season has ended prematurely but I want to say thank you to all at the club,” said the 19-year-old.

“First and foremost for giving me my professional debut and the opportunity to grow as a player on the pitch. To all the players that welcomed me from my first day and to the fans that treated me like I’d been a Stanley player for years.

“I truly enjoyed every minute as a Stanley player. Hopefully I’ll see you all again soon.”

Benny Ashley-Seal was brought in as a striking option in January from Wolves, but failed to find the net in his five appearances.

He said: “The chairman, the manger and the coaches made my time unforgettable.

“Most importantly I will never forget the amazing fans, thank you all for the warm welcome and support. Lastly, to my team mates, what an amazing bunch of lads.”

Fellow loanees Sadou Diallo, Connor Simpson, Courtney Baker-Richardson and Bobby Grant have also left the club.