Magpies announce retained list

The pair are the only two players from the first-team squad not to be offered new deals by boss Matt Jansen

Lynch joined the club in the summer of 2014 after being released from Carlisle United, while Caunce joined the club in 2013 from Darwen Aldridge Academy side.

Despite the season only just ending following Chorley's agonising National League North play-off final defeat to FC Halifax Town, Jansen has already been actively looking to strengthen his squad next season.

Jansen said: “We were all bitterly disappointed to have failed at the last hurdle after a successful season. We have spoken to all the lads and most have been retained on options, with Jason Walker still having 12 months on his contract. The rest of the squad have been made revised offers as we are looking to keep the core of the team together and maybe bring a few new faces to make us challenge at the top once again.”

The Magpies boss is also keen to see many of the fans who travelled in their thousands to the play-off final return next season.

He added: “We’d also like to hold onto the supporters who travelled to FC Halifax Town and backed the team throughout the play-off final. If we could replicate that inside Victory Park next season that would be fantastic. They got behind us last season and helped carry us over the line - which was incredible. Unfortunately we didn’t achieve our goal in promotion but everybody is already excited about starting pre-season again at the end of June. We’ve got a great dressing room and a fantastic bunch of lads. That’s something I’m passionate about as manager and we need the right lads to fit into our ethos.”

The club would like to express its thanks to Lynch and Caunce and wish them every success in the future.