The future of several out-of-contract City stars will hinge on the budget talks currently taking place between Phil Parkinson and the board.

Garry Thompson and Matthew Bates were yesterday told they would not be getting new deals.

Others will sit down with the club in the next few days – once Parkinson has found out exactly what money he has to play with.

Parkinson plans more talks with joint-chairman Julian Rhodes over the finances he will be given for next season. With so many players coming out of contract, that will influence his thinking and what City are prepared to offer.

The Bantams chief said: “Discussions with the board are ongoing regarding the budget for next year. We’ll be speaking to other players at the end of this week and early next.

“I was with Julian yesterday going through everything and that will continue. The discussions with the other players will be based on the result of those talks.”

Thompson’s departure does not come as a surprise after he found himself pushed into a regular bench role during the closing stages of last season.

The 33-year-old winger did score the winner as a substitute in City’s final home game against Crawley. But he is assured a place in club folklore for that volley against Arsenal during the history-making run to the Capital One Cup final.

Thompson scored 11 goals in 102 appearances in total and Parkinson believes there will be plenty of interest for his signature.

He said: “Thommo has made a good contribution for the last couple of years and has been a great lad to have around. I don’t think there will be a shortage of clubs wanting to take him.”

Defender Bates has also been released after playing 23 times last season. He filled in while Andrew Davies was injured – a sticky period that saw City manage only one win and a single clean sheet.

Youngster Louie Swain, who has been loaned to the likes of Guiseley and Park Avenue, has also gone.

City will not be offering pro contracts to youth-team skipper Jack Stockdill and fellow second-year trainees Jack Bentley and Nathan Curtis.