Eastleigh release James Constable and Chris Zebroski

Constable’s departure ends a five-year spell, during which he scored 42 goals from 162 appearances (126 starts) after joining from Oxford.

Zebroski, 32, scored 12 goals in 75 National League appearances (46 starts) during his second spell with the Spitfires, having returned from Newport County two years ago.

Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens said: “It’s always difficult when it comes to this stage of the season.

“Ever since they have been at the club Zeb and Beano (James Constable) have been first class for us.

“We've had some honest conversations and it is best for both parties that we have come to these conclusions.”

The other players to be released are teenage winger Ollie Dennett, who scored his first senior goal in his last appearance, a 3-3 draw against Boreham Wood, and rookie defender Lewis Harvey, who made his debut in the same match.

Strevens continued: “We will continue to watch the young lads and track their progress.

“At their age it’s crucial they gain valuable playing time and that’s something we cannot offer at the moment.

“I am sure once they get back playing and they will see a positive outcome for their footballing careers.”

Constable’s most prolific seasons at the Silverlake Stadium were his first two.

He scored 19 goals, including a hat-trick at Braintree, as Eastleigh reached the National League play-offs in 2015.

The following season he scored 16 and was also in the Eastleigh side that knocked Crewe Alexandra out of the FA Cup. He then scored in a memorable win at Stourbridge, but Eastleigh lost a third-round replay at Bolton Wanderers.

After being restricted to six goals in the next two seasons the 34 year-old spent the second half of last term on loan at Poole.

My time at @EastleighFC has come to end after 5 years at the club, I’m leaving with some great memories. Thank you to all the fans, and the players I’ve played with. Wish everyone at the club all the best for the future, hope to see you in the football league soon! #Spitfires ⚽️

— James Constable (@JamesConstable9) May 13, 2019

Zebroski, who was restricted to two goals in 36 appearances last season (including 17 starts).

Would like to thank everyone at @EastleighFC the players ,coaching team and staff. I have enjoyed my second spell at the club. Huge shame to lose in playoffs again on penalties, but that’s football. Eastleigh have been great to me over the years on and off the pitch.all the best

— Christopher Zebroski (@Chriszebroski) May 13, 2019

Nine out-of-contract Eastleigh players - Josh Hare, Oscar Gobern, Paul McCallum, Mark Yeates, Joey Jones, Andrew Boyce, Cav Miley, Ben Williamson and Danny Hollands - have all been offered new deals.

But loanees Luke Southwood, Shaun Hobson and Sam Matthews have all returned to their respective loan clubs; Reading, Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile Strevens has confirmed that his future is at the Silverlake after leading Eastleigh to within a penalty shoot out of the National League play-off final at Wembley.

He said: “The club have made contract offers to me, [assistant manager] Jason [Bristow] and [goalkeeping coach] Ross [Flitney]. I think they’re happy with the job that we did and obviously we’re happy to stay as well.”