ON-LOAN Newport County AFC striker Nicky Maynard has been released by Mansfield Town.

The 34-year-old forward made deadline day move to Rodney Parade from their League Two rivals until the end of the season.

Maynard will not be returning to Field Mill after the Stags announced he was one of seven players out of contract and released with immediate effect.

The striker has made 19 appearances for the Exiles, 12 of them starts, and scored the winners against Grimsby and Bolton.

Maynard, who arrived lacking match sharpness and amid the Exiles winter slump on the challenging Rodney Parade surface, will aim to help County to secure promotion before sorting his future for next season.

Manager Michael Flynn paired the energetic duo of Lewis Collins and Padraig Amond together in the run-in while Ryan Taylor returned from injury to help provide a physical presence when closing out a draw at Southend to clinch a play-off spot.

Maynard arrived on loan in the transfer window while midfielder Robbie Willmott and striker Tristan Abrahams went out on loan to Exeter and Leyton Orient respectively. They cannot be used in the play-offs.