Ivan Campo; Tommy Miller; Dean Bowditch; Billy Clarke; Chris Casement; Jai Reason and Kurt Robinson were this morning told they would not be offered new contracts and are now free agents looking for new clubs.
Speaking to the Official Club Website, Keane said: "It's been a difficult time over the last two days and without doubt it's the hardest part of my job, letting players go.
"Whether you are releasing an experienced player who is coming to the end of his career like Ivan Campo, who has been a great servant to football and hopefully will continue to play, or the younger players who are starting their careers, it's not easy.
"Hopefully I've made the right decisions but I want to wish all the players well because they have given their best for the Football Club."
Alex Bruce, Shane Supple, and Ed Upson have been told they will be offered new deals by the club whilst decisions are yet to be made on Matt Richards, Dan Harding and Liam Trotter.
Click here for our earlier article detailing the players that were this morning released from the club.