Leicester City, relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership after just one season, have released 13 players as manager Micky Adams looks to rebuild in a bid to return to the top flight.

Adams ordered the cull as he looks to create a squad with a "nice mix" of youth plus experience in key areas as the Foxes aim to make an immediate escape from the Nationwide First Division.

With the majority of those released approaching the twilight of their careers Adams is poised to bring in a host of new faces to entirely rebuild the squad after an arduous season further marred by allegations against certain players while on a training camp at La Manga in Spain.

The biggest name to leave the Walkers Stadium is midfielder Muzzy Izzet whose contract is up after more than 300 appearances.

The Turkey international has been linked with Portsmouth, Birmingham and Aston Villa after almost eight years with the club.

Also leaving the club are 35-year-old midfielder Steve Guppy, who won an England cap against Belgium in 1999 and defender Callum Davidson, whose broken cheekbone prompted the departure from the club of Dennis Wise.

Steffen Freund and Frank Sinclair, both of whom were caught up by the fallout over the incident in La Manga, will also leave.

The remaining players to be shown the door at the Walkers Stadium are journeyman forward Craig Hignett, defender Andy Impey, young midfielder Tommy Williamson, defenders Alan Rogers and Nicolas Priet, midfielders Junior Lewis and Billy McKinlay and 21-year-old goalkeeper Paul Murphy.

Matthew Jones, Keith Gillespie and Paul Brooker are available on free transfers.

The Foxes boss was philosophical about the clear-out while admitting he would like to have retained some of the players.

He told the club website, www.lcfc.co.uk: "There are enough players left to form the nucleus of a strong side to give the fans hope and I can assure them there will be faces joining who will improve the club.

"The doom and gloom merchants may say that their favourites have gone but they are just going to have to accept it - just like I have to accept it."

Adams also faces a battle to hold on to defender Riccardo Scimeca, who has attracted the interests of newly-promoted Norwich City.

Forward Paul Dickov, who scored 14 goals including the Foxes' last of the season at Highbury in their final day 2-1 defeat by champions Arsenal, has been linked with West Brom and Birmingham.

Adams is also hoping 13-goal forward Les Ferdinand will be at the Walkers Stadium next season after a make-or-break knee operation.

Adams will offer the veteran a new deal once he proves his fitness, while 22-year-old centre-half Matt Heath has signed a new two-year deal with the club.