Newport County confirm Jamille Matt and Scot Bennett among departures

Forward Jamille Matt scored 26 goals in 97 appearances for Newport

Newport County have confirmed the departures of their out-of-contract players including forward Jamille Matt and defender Scot Bennett.

The League Two side said they had "not made any offers to our out-of-contract squad" due to the financial uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Defender Jay Foulston, plus forwards Dominic Poleon and Momodou Touray have also left Rodney Parade.

Mark O'Brien had already announced his retirement with a heart problem.

Matt, 30, joined Newport in June 2018 after being released by Blackpool and scored 20 goals in his first campaign, forming a strong partnership with Padraig Amond. Last season he scored six goals.

"The last two years have been brilliant and there have been some great memories which I am proud to be a part of when I look back," Matt tweeted.

"It's not the way I envisioned leaving club but we will cross paths again I'm sure. To the Amber Army, you've welcomed me since day one and the sense of community within the club and the city has been something I was proud to be a part of."

Bennett made 133 League appearances for the club since joining in the summer of 2016 from Notts County. He was part of the club's 'Great Escape' from relegation and played in last season's 1-0 League Two play-off final defeat against Tranmere, at Wembley.

The 29-year-old also thanked Newport on social media and said he understood the decisions behind his departure.

"Never been in this situation before where the manager (Michael Flynn) wants you to stay but can't (offer a new contract), but these times are hard for all involved so no hard feelings," he tweeted.

"Over the last four and a half years I have had some of my best moments in football, the memories made will last forever."

League Two clubs opted to curtail the regular season earlier this month, with County finishing 15th.