Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that six first team players have been released from the club, upon the expiry of their contracts following the side's relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Joey Barton, Richard Dunne, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Brian Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Rio Ferdinand have all been released, as the club looks to lower its wage bill in anticipation of a season in the SkyBet Championship.

QPR released a statement thanking the players for their contributions to the club, wishing them the best of luck for the future.

Barton was the club captain for their relegation from the Premier League two years ago, whilst Zamora scored the goal which sealed their return to the Premier League last season.

Ferdinand and Dunne both featured often over the past year, making up part of a leaky defence which conceded 73 goals in 38 Premier League games. The former has been out of action in recent weeks, after the tragic death of his wife Rebecca.

Murphy and Wright-Phillips have barely featured over the course of the season, and their exits come as no surprise as the club looks to go into a new direction under manager Chris Ramsey, awarded a three year contract earlier this week.

Elsewhere at the club, Alejandro Faurlin and Clint Hill have been offered new deals, whilst midfielder Karl Henry has until 30th June to utilise his one year contract extension option.

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