Josh Sheehan and Tom King on Newport County list of leavers

The Exiles suffered League Two play-off final anguish in extra time against Morecambe on Monday, just as they did against Tranmere in 2019, and are braced for a rebuilding job in the bid to take the final step in their promotion hunt.

Nick Townsend, Priestley Farquharson, Matty Dolan, Padraig Amond and Dom Telford are under contract for next season while the club have exercised an option to extend Scot Bennett’s one-year deal that he signed last summer.

County have confirmed that Wales international Josh Sheehan is leaving for another opportunity, with promoted Bolton said to be lining him up.

Offers have been made to captain Joss Labadie, Liam Shephard, Ryan Haynes and Mickey Demetriou after being mainstays of the side while young forward Lewis Collins has also been made an offer and has already alluded to staying on social media.

The Exiles also remain in dialogue with Aaron Lewis and 42-year-old Kevin Ellison while Robbie Willmott and Tristan Abrahams could yet stay despite leaving the club on loan in January.

County have confirmed that 10 players have gone with Sheehan leaving the biggest void and four others that featured in the matchday squad also heading off.

Tom King is the highest profile of the leavers after the Wales squad goalkeeper earned back his starting spot in the run-in.

The 26-year-old was between the sticks at Wembley but goes for a fresh challenge elsewhere with County already having Townsend on the books.

The stopper had a strong campaign, making 42 appearances, to earn a two-year deal before King got the nod in April.

Defender Ashely Baker leaves after being a fringe figure while the club have opted not to extend the stay of David Longe-King, who initially looked promising after making the step up to the Football League from St Albans City.

He made 12 outings but fell down the pecking order when County signed Priestley Farquharson from Connahs Quay Nomads.

Joe Ledley and Jack Evans arrived for the second half of the campaign but failed to make an impact while targetman Ryan Taylor, who came off the bench at Wembley, leaves.

Daniel Leadbitter, Corey Whitely and Kyle Howkins go after spending last season elsewhere.

Senior players retained

Dom Telford
Matty Dolan
Nick Townsend
Padraig Amond
Priestley Farquharson

Contract options exercised

Scot Bennett

Contracts offered

Joss Labadie
Lewis Collins
Liam Shephard
Mickey Demetriou
Ryan Haynes

Professional contracts offered to academy scholars

Joe Woodiwiss
Lewys Twamley
Ryan Hillier

Club remains in dialogue with

Aaron Lewis
Kevin Ellison
Robbie Willmott
Tristan Abrahams

Players leaving the club

Ashley Baker
Corey Whitely
Daniel Leadbitter
David Longe-King
Jack Evans
Joe Ledley
Josh Sheehan
Kyle Howkins
Ryan Taylor
Tom King

Loan players returning to parent clubs

Anthony Hartigan
Jake Scrimshaw
Luke Gambin
Nicky Maynard