Newport loanee Luke Gambin released by Colchester

Gambin headed to Rodney Parade from the Exiles’ League Two rivals in January and the attacking midfielder made an immediate impact.

The Malta international scored a superb goal and provided an assist in the defeat at Oldham and then his shot was deflected in by Jake Scrimshaw at Harrogate.

However, the 28-year-old failed to build on that promising start and has since been something of a fringe figure, limited to cameos.

Nonetheless, Gambin will be an important figure in the bid for promotion via the play-offs after being in Michael Flynn’s matchday squad for the run-in.

He is the second of County's loan signings to be released while chasing play-off success. Earlier this week Mansfield announced that they would be letting veteran striker Nicky Maynard go.

30.09.20 - Newport County v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup - Scott Twine of Newport County shot at goal hits the bar..

Meanwhile, Swindon Town have offered bright prospect Twine a new contract as they prepare to return to League Two after relegation.

The 22-year-old, who can play in midfield or as a forward, was a huge hit at County in the first half of the season.

In 24 Exiles appearances Twine scored seven times – including goal of the season contenders against Cambridge, Colchester and Oldham – and provided seven assists.

His exploits led to the Robins recalling him and then Newport making a bid to sign him on a permanent deal that was rebuffed.

Twine scored some more crackers for Swindon but it wasn’t enough to save them from the drop, with former County manager John Sheridan leaving the club in the run-in.

Swindon have offered Twine fresh terms but he is sure to be in demand from clubs in higher leagues and has recently been linked with Portsmouth.

County supporters will wonder whether promotion might make the club contenders for a Twine return.