Barry Nicholson has turned down a new deal offer at Aberdeen as boss Jimmy Calderwood wielded the axe following the shock Scottish Cup defeat.Calderwood will not offer new deals to goalkeeper Derek Soutar, striker Steve Lovell, defenders Richie Byrne and Dave Bus plus youngsters Jonathan Smith and Greg Kelly. They are all out of contract in the summer.

The Dons manager also revealed forward Lee Miller has yet to decide on the offer of a new contract.

Calderwood confirmed on-loan winger Sone Aluko will return to Birmingham for pre-season, while no decision has been made on Middlesbrough teenager Josh Walker, who is also on loan until the end of the season.

Calderwood told the club's official website: "It's obviously disappointing that Barry has decided to move on but, to be honest, it did not come as a huge surprise.

"As far as Lee is concerned, he is leaving his options open and, while I'm hopeful that he will decide to stay, we have to obviously prepare a squad with next season in mind.

"I'd like to thank all of the lads who won't be here next season for their contributions and wish all of them all the very best for the future.

"These are never easy decisions to make but are necessary as we move forward and prepare for the next campaign and beyond."

Decisions on the futures of January signings Stuart Duff and Alan Maybury will be made at the end of the season.

More Football News from TEAMtalk