'Bizarre news' as Eamon Zayed is released by Indy Eleven

Former PFAI Player of the Year Eamon Zayed has been released from his contract with American side Indy Eleven.

The Libyan international has spent the past two years in North America and is the club's all-time leading goalscorer having topped the charts in both his seasons there.

However the Indianapolis-based club made the switch from the NASL league to USL earlier this month.

The former Derry City, Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers striker had been on a multi-year contact with the club but the change in leagues gave the club the option to cancel all contracts.

Martin Rennie replaced Tim Hankinson as Indy's head coach on Tuesday and he wasted little time in wielding the axe with Zayed the first player let go.

Cork native Colin Falvey, once of Cobh Ramblers and Kilkenny City, was club captain last season and his future remains uncertain.

Speaking to the Extratime.ie Sportscast earlier this week, Zayed spoke of the lifestyle benefits of life in the American midwest.

“Over there, you get looked after really well off the pitch,” he said.

“Anything you need is there because you're dealing with companies that have 15-20 or more staff working for them.

“If you have any issues, there's always someone there. As a lifestyle it's really good.”

The decision to terminate his contract took Zayed by surprise, and with two months of the off-season elapsed already it means most clubs already have their squads for 2018 assembled.

“A lot of people asking me what happened,” Zayed wrote on Twitter.

“I shall write a proper note soon when I digest the bizarre news! But briefly for now, I just want to thank you for all the kind messages and support.

“Honestly you guys are what Indy Eleven is all about. Without you all, the club is nothing!