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Crystal Palace are set to release 10 players from their U21 and U18 squads this season, with Reise Allassani the most high profile departure.

The 20-year-old Allassani was tipped for a big future when he burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old, signing the most lucrative professional contract for an academy player in the club’s history, and scoring for England at youth level.

But he has failed to kick-on since starring at U18 level, struggling with injury and failing to impress on a regular basis in the U21 side. He was loaned to non-League side Bromley at the back-end of the season, but failed to make an impact there, and has now been told his contract will not be renewed.

Alongside Allassani, several other U21 players are to be released.

They include long-serving Goalkeeper and Palace supporter David Gregory, who has recently spent time on loan at Leyton Orient as back-up after first choice Alex Cisak was injured.

Defender Matty George is another to have been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season. Injuries have crushed his hopes of making it in SE25, with England scouts having watched him at U16 level before concurrent blows halted his progress. Should he recover from his previous injury problems then a future in football is not out of the question.

Another high-profile departure is that of Connor Dymond. The centre-midfielder has shown great leadership skills and no lack of ability in his time at Palace, as well as versatility.

His attitude has been outstanding and he has spent time on loan at Newport County and Barnet. A prosperous professional career almost certainly awaits him.

Will Hoare, Andreas Breimyr and Spencer Forte are the other three to leave the club. Hoare has captained teams at many levels, including U16 and U18 level, showing good leadership skills and working hard for his team-mates throughout his youth career.

Academy manager Gary Issott said he was sad to see the youngsters depart, but hopes they will progress in the future.

“Unfortunately it’s part of football but it’s sad to see those boys go. I’ve known them since they first joined the club at various ages. It’s the worst part of the job, but what we do hope is that they all go on and hopefully get careers in the game which will give us as much pleasure as getting into our first team, which not everyone can do.

“We hope that as many players as possible who do leave have been given the skills to go and progress in professional football.

“We all go into the game knowing we could fall out and might not hit the top flight level but if you can earn a living out of the game you love, then that’s what we hope for from all of them.”

Issott also revealed that three U18 players are to leave in the summer.

“There’s three lads; Ollie Bennett, Dan Hogan and Oliver Pain, so again we’re hopeful that all three of them can get fixed up with clubs. Ollie Bennett has been here a long time and it’s especially sad to see him go.”

Meanwhile, defender Jason Akiotu is also set to leave Palace, after turning down a professional contract with the club.

“He’s turned down his contract offer and wants to view other clubs which he is within his rights to do,” said Issott.

“We’ve offered him a new contract which at the minute he doesn’t want to sign and he wants to view other clubs, that’s the advice he’s been given.”

Released players: David Gregory, Oliver Pain, Matty George, Dan Hogan, Ollie Bennett, Andreas Breimyr, Will Hoare, Connor Dymond, Spencer Forte, Reise Allassani