NEWPORT County AFC have made a late deadline day swoop for experienced striker Nicky Maynard.

The Exiles allowed Tristan Abrahams to go on loan to Leyton Orient on Monday afternoon and replaced him with Maynard on loan from League Two rivals Mansfield.

The deal was only sealed shortly before the 11pm deadline, much to the relief of manager Michael Flynn after he endured a "chaotic" January window.

The 34-year-old is a proven goal threat in the Football League and the Exiles will hope he can provide a cutting edge in the push for promotion.

“I had a few offers from other clubs in this league and in League One, but the gaffer got hold of me, told me all about the club and how it’s going forward, so hopefully it works out for me here," said Maynard.

“I want to come in, score goals and help the team push towards the top of the table.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn identified Maynard, who faced County at Rodney Parade in October, as a target early in January and has finally got his man.

“Nicky has been a proven goalscorer throughout his career and will bring a wealth of experience to the club. He knows what it takes to get to League One after his promotion with Bury a few seasons ago," said the manager.

“I’m sure he will score the goals to keep us at the top end of the table between now and the end of the season.”  

Maynard came through the Crewe academy and his exploits, 35 goals in 67 games, earned a £2.25million move to Championship side Bristol City.

He scored 46 times for the Robins before being sold in 2012 to West Ham United, then in the second tier, for a fee believed to be around £2m ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.

Maynard scored in the Championship play-off semi-finals against Cardiff City and was on the bench when the Hammers clinched promotion at Wembley.

South Wales Argus:

He then moved to the Bluebirds but endured a miserable time in the capital, hindered by injury, and he went on to have spells with Wigan, MK Dons, Aberdeen, Bury and then Mansfield.

Maynard scored 15 goals for the Stags last season, that after netting 22 times in 41 appearances to help Bury to promotion in 2018/19 when he joined forces with January County recruit Dom Telford.

“Nicky wanted an opportunity to go and challenge for first team football and this move also gives him the opportunity to earn a contract somewhere for next season,” said Stags’ manager Nigel Clough.