TWO of the 11 players released by Newport County AFC manager Michael Flynn this month have found new clubs.

Midfielder Mitch Rose has signed a two-year deal at League Two rivals Grimsby Town.

And defender Darren Jones, who announced his retirement from professional football after leaving the Exiles, has joined part-timers Bath City in the Conference South.

Rose, younger brother of Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Danny, becomes Russell Slade's first signing since returning as Grimsby boss.

After starting out as a youth player with Sheffield Wednesday, Rose made the move to Rotherham where he turned professional.

The 22-year-old midfielder made five league appearances for the Millers, and also had spells out on loan with Stamford and Crawley Town before making the move to Mansfield in 2015.

Rose made 52 league appearances at Field Mill, but departed for County in January this year as Stags boss Steve Evans made a number of changes.

He made 12 appearances as the Exiles avoided relegation on the final day of the League Two season, but was released by Flynn last week.

South Wales Argus:

Newport-born centre-back Jones (above) made more than 100 appearances over three different spells with County, including 34 in the 2016-2017 season.

His last game was the defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Easter Monday.

Jones also played for Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, Hereford United, Aldershot Town, Shrewsbury Town and AFC Wimbledon in an 18-year pro career.

Bath boss Gary Owers is a big fan of the 33-year-old.

“Darren is a strong and experienced centre half who has played for Forest Green Rovers, Hereford, Aldershot, Shrewsbury and most recently Newport,” said Owers.

“He is a player I have known for many years and had kept an eye on his situation.

“When he announced his retirement from the full-time game I saw an opportunity and he will be a great addition to the squad.”

South Wales Argus:

Meanwhile midfielder Josh Sheehan (above) has been offered a monthly contract by Swansea City.

The 22-year-old is continuing his rehab from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, having scored seven times in 25 appearances on loan at County to finish the season as the club’s top scorer.

Swansea have released eight players, including goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel and striker Marvin Emnes.

Youngsters Liam Shephard, Josh Vickers, Owain Jones, Tom Dyson and Tom Holland will also leave the club, while Alex Samuel – another Exiles loan star – has agreed to join Stevenage on a two-year contract.