Townsend offered new deal as Newport release 10

Nick Townsend smiles in a Newport gameImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption,

Nick Townsend has made more than 200 appearances since joining Newport from Barnsley in 2018

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Newport County have offered new deals to four senior players – but have told 10 of their squad they can leave Rodney Parade.

County, currently without a head coach after parting ways with Nelson Jardim, finished 22nd in League Two after a huge turnover of players last season.

Only goalkeeper Nick Townsend, defender James Clarke, midfielder Aaron Wildig and the versatile Shane McLoughlin have had offers to extend their stays, with the club saying contract discussions are ongoing.

But centre-back Kyle Jameson and attacking midfielder Josh Martin are among those who have been released.

Martin only signed for the club in January but will leave after making six starts, while goalkeeper Lewis Webb, another mid-season arrival, exits without making an appearance.

Geoffroy Bony - son of former Swansea City and Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony - also departs, as does forward Hamzad Kargbo, former Wales Under-21 frontman Luke Jephcott, midfielders Nathan Wood and Daniel Barton, forward Kiban Rai and defender Josh Seberry.

Newport will also lose four players following the end of their loan spells, with David Ajiboye – who has not been offered a new deal by parent club Peterborough United – joining Preston's Noah Mawene, Huddersfield's Kyle Hudlin and Cardiff's Keiron Evans.

Townsend, meanwhile, was voted Newport's player of the season by his teammates and the club are keen for the 30-year-old to add to the 169 league appearances he has made since joining in 2018.

Likewise Clarke, 35, is in ongoing discussions after winning manager's player of the year, establishing himself as a key performer despite being frozen out in the early part of the campaign.

Clarke was co-captain of the side last term alongside midfielder Wildig who suffered a serious knee injury in November, but could yet stay in south Wales with the club keen to hold on to experience. The same applies to utility man McLoughlin, a goalscorer on the final day defeat by Tranmere.

Newport are expected to appoint a new manager in the coming weeks, with Manchester United youth coach David Hughes a leading contender.

The club have also offered five academy players their first professional deals.