Wigan release Aussie Skoko and Cameroon´s Olembe

Wigan have released out-of-contract midfielders Josip Skoko and Salomon Olembe, the English Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Australian international Skoko, 32, was one of Wigan's longest-serving players having originally arrived in August 2005 from Turkish side Genclerbirligi, at the start of Wigan's first Premier League campaign.

He was a first-team regular in 2006/07 but started only 11 league games in the just-ended campaign, which ended with Wigan defying the odds to preserve their top flight status.

Manager Steve Bruce paid tribute to Skoko's contribution to the Lancashire club.

“It's always sad saying goodbye to good pros. Josip is a quality player who has never given me one bit of trouble, has always given me everything when selected and we wish him all the best.”

Wigan have offered to allow Skoko to take part in pre-season training in July if he is not fixed up with a new club by then.

Cameroon midfielder Olembe, 27, has been a peripheral figure during his time at the club, making just two starts in the Premier League and six substitute appearances in 2007-08.