Aberdeen: Barry Nicholson

[Beefy]

Barry Nicholson has turned down a new contract offer at Aberdeen as boss Jimmy Calderwood wielded the axe following the shock Scottish Cup defeat by Queen of the South.

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.