The news comes just a week after Hughes was appointed following the dismissal of long-term manager Tony Pulis, who had been with the club for seven years in his second spell in charge. 

The released list features no real surprises, although Dean Whitehead was a popular player with Pulis and made 26 appearances in the Premier League last season. 

Whitehead spoke recently about his desire for more first-team football, stating how he understood Stoke's failure to negotiate a contract extension. 

Club stalwarts Delap and Mamady Sidibe played a major part in the club's Premier League promotion success in 2008, but both have both struggled with injuries. 
Pennant is another high-profile name on the list and despite a fairly successful season on loan at Wolves in which he scored 15 league goals, Stoke were not willing to extend his stay at the club. 

Matthew Upson has also left after spending two years at the Britannia Stadium, along with goalkeeper Carlo Nash and young midfielder Matthew Lund. 

Alongside the players leaving, Stoke have announced the departures of coaching staff including Dave Kemp, Mark O'Connor, Adrian Pennock, Paul Maxwell, Dave Kevan and Gerry Francis.