EXETER City boss Matt Taylor hasn’t ruled out a return for midfielder Robbie Willmott after the end of his loan from Newport County AFC.

Willmott, who turns 31 on Sunday, moved from Rodney Parade to Devon on deadline day but was unable to help the Grecians make the League Two play-offs.

The midfielder is an Exiles stalwart after over 200 appearances over two spells in Newport, helping the club return to the Football League in 2015 and enjoy famous runs in the FA Cup.

He played 28 games for Michael Flynn’s side this season out wide and in the middle of the park before moving to Exeter, who he played for 17 times.

The Grecians suffered disappointment when they failed to climb into the play-offs on final day and today announced their retained and released list.

It was confirmed that Willmott has returned to his parent club – although his County contract expires this summer – but Taylor will keep an eye on him in the coming weeks after liking what he saw.

"We were getting a player on loan from a rival, so that is probably unheard of in relation to what normally happens,” said Taylor, who had a brief spell with the Exiles in 2015/16.

"Rob was relatively local, so it worked with him staying around Newport with a young family.

"His performances have been pretty strong. He picked up a slight niggle and, due to his age and the lack of training that he had previously, we couldn't quite play him every minute of every game.

"But his input at times has been strong and he has added a little bit of quality, certainly in terms of from the wide areas.

"In the last few months of the season it has been difficult for everyone but Robbie has been a strong performer and we will monitor his situation at Newport and in terms of the market and players being available."

Tristan Abrahams is in the same position as Willmott after the expiry of his loan at Leyton Orient, with the forward’s Newport deal ending this summer.

Mansfield Town announced on Tuesday that striker Nicky Maynard, who is on loan with County and part of the bid for play-off success, was being released.