Tony Mowbray has concluded his two-day meetings with the Rovers squad who will now head off on their seven-week close season break.

Rovers have five senior players out of contract this summer, though the club do have options in the deals of Jayson Leutwiler, Craig Conway and Paul Downing.

Jack Rodwell and Ben Gladwin see their deals expire next month, though Mowbray says decisions on all of the Rovers players, even those under contract, have been formulated throughout the season.

The boss hasn’t ruled out players under contract leaving this summer as part of a re-shuffle after this season’s 15th placed finish.

But Mowbray says discussions were open and honest, with the players giving their input as to how they saw their future, and the season as a whole.

Rovers could release their retained list in the coming days - but a number of contract situations are expected to remain fluid. 

“They are not easy, but I don’t fall out with anyone,” Mowbray said of the meetings.

“If their time at this club is coming to a close then we will do everything we can to help.

“If they are under contract then they will be given every respect and opportunity to force their way back in to the team through their endeavour and workrate in training.

“I don’t chop people’s heads off, if people leave then it will be because it’s mutually beneficial for everyone.

“I have said that we do need to create some space for wages. It’s okay having a budget, but it’s not good piling players on top of players otherwise you end up with 30 players and disarray behind the scenes.

“It becomes difficult so you have to get the right number and hopefully we can gel a squad together that can be as strong as the one that we have had for the last two years.”

Rovers’ pre-season plans, although yet to be publicised, are fixed, with the squad heading to Austria once again for their fitness work.

 “I’ve been honest and open with them and if they’re going to find it difficult to get in the team next year because of my plans, then that’s fine,” Mowbray added.

“If they are under contract that’s fine as well, they can stay, try and improve and get better as everyone wants to and they will be part of a group.

“But they will be told how difficult it could be for them to get a game.

“Then they have a decision over what they do. Are they going to try and find a new club over the summer?

“Or am I telling them to go away, rest up during the summer but come back as fit as they can because they’re going to be a big part of things next year?

“The players have a voice as well and told me how they think the year went for them and whether they got enough opportunities.

“The club will be fully respectful of their contracts. They will be told whether they are going to be a key part of things, or whether they will find it tough and have to compete with the new signings that are coming in.”