NEWPORT County AFC have announced that Kevin Feely has mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

The defender will return to his native Ireland and full-time education.

The centre-back originally joined County on loan from Charlton Athletic in March 2014, making his debut against Torquay United alongside former Wales international Darcy Blake.

When his contract at Charlton expired in May 2014, Feely initially decided to return to Ireland to play Gaelic football.

But he was persuaded to sign a permanent deal with County by then-manager Justin Edinburgh in the summer of 2014 and went on to make more than 20 appearances for the club last campaign.

He featured in the opening game of this season against Cambridge United, but sustained a thigh injury in the second half that meant he missed the three games that followed.

Feely returned to action in the home defeat to Leyton Orient and played the entirety Saturday's defeat at Plymouth.

The club will retain the player's registration, as part of the termination agreement.

Feely told the official club website: "I would just like to thank the football club and the fans, including everybody associated with Newport County AFC for all the support they have given me over the last two years."

"The decision I made was a completely personal one, based on where I wanted to go with my life, at the moment I don't think football is where I want my future to be.

"I just want the fans and the club to know that the decision wasn't based on football, if I was going to continue playing football then it would be for Newport County AFC.

"I have never enjoyed football as much as I have done during the last two seasons with the club. It is a decision purely based on where I want my life to go."

A club statement concluded: "Newport County AFC would like to wish Kevin all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts during his time with us."