I agree, but maybe their job could be changed to staff when they retire (if they should still exist in the game)?
Some players have already been confirmed as new coaches/managers etc. That may be an easy way to do it?
Maybe you already have come up with an even better solution :-)
Retired players
I've noticed that Jamie Carragher retires on 30.6.2013 in your update, as he did in real life. But I suggest that you remove retired players, or at least set retirement date to 30.6.2012. Then they will not appear when a new game is started. Carragher is also still vice-captain...