NICKY Adams was the most surprising casualty in an end-of-season cull that also saw former captain Jim McNulty and his one-time centre-back partner Pablo Mills released from Bury following the end of their contracts.

The decision to make Adams available for transfer showed just how ruthless David Flitcroft is prepared to be in his bid to build a squad capable of competing in League One.

But the writing was possibly on the wall for the 28-year-old midfielder, who made the last of his 29 starts against Northampton on March 21 and was substituted at half time in that game.

Flitcroft gave a big hint Adams was not in his plans after leaving the former Shakers youth graduate out of the squad for a key match at home to Shrewsbury in the run-in.

Yet despite being left on the sidelines at the end of the League Two promotion campaign, Adams clearly expected to be in Flitcroft's plans in the new season when speaking with the Bury Times last week, before the decision to put him up for sale was revealed.

“I am sure the gaffer will add one or two players in the summer but this squad has not been built with League Two in mind,” he said.

“It is full of players capable of playing at a higher level, so I don’t think we will have any problems.

“I have spent a lot of time playing in League One and I know what it takes at that level.”

The Bolton-born midfielder, who has two years left on his contract, must now decide whether to stay and fight for his place or seek a quick exit.

He is sure to attract a number of suitors, with decent experience at League One level following stints at Rotherham, Crawley and Rochdale before his return to Bury following a big move to Leicester seven years ago.

But it may take a while for the news to sink in after making what he felt was a dream return to the club where he kicked off his career.

The same could be said of McNulty, who started the season as Flitcroft’s leader on the pitch but fell down the pecking order following a downturn in results.

Flitcroft seemed to lose faith in McNulty and Mills as a centre-back pairing after fragile defensive displays on the road at Exeter and AFC Wimbledon that culminated in a 5-0 defeat at Shrewsbury.

He changed formation to bring left-back Chris Hussey into the fold and after experienced defender Adam El-Abd was brought in on loan in December both McNulty and Mills were moved to the periphery.

The manager's decision not to renew their contracts leaves a sizeable hole in defence.

Skipper Nathan Cameron is the only senior centre-back left in the squad. Matty Foulds is unlikely to figure despite being promoted early from the youth team, while Keil O’Brien is still finding his feet in the Football League following last summer's move from Chorley.

There may be scope for El-Abd to seal a permanent move from Bristol City, but if Flitcroft wants to revert to his favoured 3-4-3 formation then he will need to sign at least two more experienced central defenders.

A planned switch in strategy may be behind the possible departure of Adams, who is not considered to have the defensive capability to play in the wing-back role. His position on the right would more likely be filled by attacking right-back Joe Riley, with Craig Jones in reserve, while Hussey and Danny Mayor would share responsibilities on the left.

Mayor could also be used in a central role, behind the front two, again ahead of Adams.

What is now clear, however, is that Flitcroft faces a busy summer, with just 13 senior players, including Adams, signed up.

Striker Danny Nardiello has been offered a new contract, as has goalkeeper Rob Lainton, while there is hope on-loan stopper Nick Pope can be tempted to return from Charlton.

But fans can expect a flurry of new faces to arrive before pre-season training begins as the Bury boss aims to start the campaign with at least 20 senior pros.

The Retained List

Players Released: Jim McNulty, Chris Sedgwick (retired), Joe Thompson and Pablo Mills.

Players offered new deals: Danny Nardiello, Rob Lainton.

Players made available for transfer: Nicky Adams

Players Retained: Defenders - Chris Hussey, Keil O’Brien, Joe Riley, Nathan Cameron. Midfielders - Craig Jones, Andrew Tutte, Kelvin Etuhu, Danny Mayor, Tom Soares. Strikers - Hallam Hope, Danny Rose, Ryan Lowe.

Youth players signed/offered pro contracts: Jack Ruddy (goalkeeper), Matty Foulds, Marcus Poscha (defenders), Scott Burgess (midfielder), Anthony Dudley, Brayden Shaw (strikers).