Former Super Eagles defender Efe Ambrose and ex-Chelsea star Ashley Cole are among the Derby County players being released this summer after they failed to win promotion to the Premier League.
The Nigerian international invoked a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave Easter Road in January with six months left to run on his contract.
Ambrose was offered an improved deal to stay in Edinburgh, but turned it down given the wages on offer from elsewhere.
He penned a short-term deal with Frank Lampard’s side, but hasn’t played since heading to the East Midlands.
In the same vein, Ashley Cole – who is 38 – joined the Rams on a short-term deal until the end of the season in January and he started in their play-off final defeat to Aston Villa.
Derby are also releasing David Nugent, Alex Pearce and Marcus Olsson when their contracts expire on June 30.
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