Ahead of the mid-season transfer window, South Melbourne has released five players, including former Chelsea FC youth product Joe Keenan and Captain Luke Byles.
Tom Matthews, Sebastian Mattei and Rhodri Payne have also been released from their contracts.
Luke Byles was elected captain for the 2013 Victorian Premier League season, following the early retirement of Steven O’Dor.
Byles arrived at Lakeside Stadium in late 2011, following a strong season at another Greek-sponsored club, Heidelberg United earlier that year. Prior to that, Luke represented Southampton’s reserve side in the 2003/04 English Premier League season. The centre-half made 30 appearances for the Club.
Tom Matthews arrived at the Club during the 2011 mid-season transfer window, signing for Eddie Krncevic’s side from the Bentleigh Greens. Prior to playing for Bentleigh, he enjoyed stints at Boston United and Hull City Under 19s in the United Kingdom. He was appointed as one of three Vice Captains for 2013, alongside Dimi Tsiaras and Fernando De Moraes.
Joe Keenan joined South Melbourne in 2010 and played 44 games for the club. He began his professional career in the Chelsea Youth Academy and played two senior matches for the London side before he suffered an injury. He continued to play professionally with Brentford (England), Willem II Tillburg (Netherlands), Hibernian (Scotland), and also had stints at both Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United. Unfortunately for Joe, he missed many matches due to injury.
Rhodri Payne was signed by Michael Michalakopoulos ahead of the 2009 VPL season and provided stability at left fullback for the Club. The New Zealander represented the Club on 73 occasions and scored two goals in the process. He did not make a senior appearance for South Melbourne in 2013.
Sebastian Mattei joined South Melbourne this season as Peter Gavalas’ back-up goalkeeper and did not make an appearance for the senior side.
South Melbourne FC wishes Luke Byles, Tom Matthews, Joe Keenan, Rhodri Payne and Sebastian Mattei all the best in their future endeavours and thanks them for their time at the Club.
