Rotherham United and Cheltenham Town have made significant changes to their squads as they prepare for the new season.

Rotherham has released 11 players, including Arsenal academy product Tolaji Bola, while Cheltenham Town bid farewell to former Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka following their relegation.

ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 25: Yasser Larouci (R) of Sheffield United in action with Tolaji Bola of Rotherham United during the pre-season friendly match between Rotherham United and Sheffield United at AESSEAL New York Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Rotherham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Yasser Larouci (R) of Sheffield United in action with Tolaji Bola of Rotherham United during the pre-season friendly match between Rotherham United and Sheffield United at AESSEAL New York Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Rotherham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Rotherham United have officially released their retained and released list for the upcoming season. Among the 11 players departing the club at the end of their contracts is Arsenal Hale End Academy graduate Tolaji Bola.

Bola joined Rotherham United in August 2021 after 13 years with Arsenal, initially signing with the Gunners at the age of nine. During his time with Rotherham, he appeared in 19 matches across all competitions, recording three assists. He had a brief loan spell with League One club Burton Albion in January 2024, seeking more regular playing time.

Also confirmed to be leaving Rotherham is defender Femi Seriki, who returns to his parent club Sheffield United after a loan spell that saw him make 10 Championship appearances.

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Rotherham United have retained 12 first-team players for the 2024-2025 season, including Hakeem Odoffin. Odoffin was a standout performer for the club, scoring four goals in 38 league appearances.

Cheltenham Town releases former Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: James Olayinka of Northampton Town in action during the Sky Bet League Two Play Off Semi-final 1st Leg match between Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town at PTS Academy Stadium on June 18, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 18: James Olayinka of Northampton Town in action during the Sky Bet League Two Play Off Semi-final 1st Leg match between Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town at PTS Academy Stadium on June 18, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

In related news, Cheltenham Town has confirmed the release of former Arsenal youth product James Olayinka following their relegation from League One. The 23-year-old midfielder joined Cheltenham on a permanent deal in August 2022 after graduating from Arsenal’s academy system.

Olayinka made 43 appearances for Cheltenham Town, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

Now a free agent, he will be looking for a new club to continue his career.

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