I guess it's people putting 2 and 2 together.
We need quota spaces to bolster front row, John and Southern barely played last year therefore if you were going to release players these 2 are the obvious candidates.
I would guess that Southern's salary is substantially more than John's so Southern is probably top of the list to be released, but if we need more than one spot available John is next on the list.

Your probably right, especially if the rumours of Southern and his family troubles earlier in the year are to believed. Id like to see John given another chance (and Southern aswell for that matter), but we will see

On the topic of young players through our academy: Cowling, Trout, Wood, Walshaw, Wildie. All five will probably have a role to play in the team next year (as they have this year), and maybe Fletcher/Grayston/Gledhill/An other (not sure on their situation atm) can emerge like Trout has emerged this season. I was gutted to see Davey leave, but it was always going to be him or Wildie, and I rate Lyne ahead of Morton so thats fine by me.

I'd have Cowling ahead of Mellars, both Trout and Walshw ahead of Southern, and I'm sure Wood OR Wildie will be on the bench with Aiton starting at 9.

Look on the bright side, I'd rather have 5 quality youngsters in the first team squad than 15 below par ones.

I think that's the key - there's no point being misty-eyed about a lad because he's from Wakey; if they're not developing at the right pace and the coaching staff believe they won't make it, the new system means they'll have to be moved on quicker. 'Moved on' is likely to mean playing for a semi-pro side, which if it's done properly, could increase the quality of both competitions.