By Paul Holmes
August 9 2002

Icelandic midfielder Stefan Thordarson has been released from his contract by Stoke City. The 27-year-old had a year remaining on his current deal but was released as the club try to cost-cut.

Thordarson made over 50 apperances, most from the bench, in two years at The Brittania Stadium but is not in new manager Steve Cotterill's plans.

Speaking to the clubs official site, Director of Football John Rudge revealed the reasons for Thodarson's release. "Stefan had has his injury problems last season and would not have been fully fit for the start of the new season.

We are in a position now, as are clubs in the current financial climate, where we have to look very hard at the overall economic picture and cut our cloth accordingly.

Stefan was not in a position to be an active part of the manager's squad and the decision has been made in the interests of good housekeeping.