VETERAN defender Abdoulaye Meite has become the seventh player to leave Newport County AFC this month.

The 36-year-old centre-back was released before Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Colchester United at Rodney Parade.

Like Jack Jebb and Josh O’Hanlon, Meite was signed by Exiles boss Graham Westley on a short-term contract in November.

All three have now left the club, along with loan signings Rhys Healey, Kyle Cameron, Jordan Green and Reece Grego-Cox.

Westley has added 10 players to the squad so far and hopes to sign at least one more this week.

The Exiles boss said: “Abs joined at a time when we had no real back-up in the centre-half position.

“He hadn't been training and wasn't fit but was available in the closed window.

“To his massive credit, he made on field contributions almost immediately, and none more so than in our excellent FA Cup draw down at Plymouth.

“With the window now open, I have cast the net wider and brought in players with the potential to be much longer term options for the club and with us still having needs in midfield, I need to release cash to fund those additions.

“So it is with reluctance that I have not extended Abs’ short-term deal.

“He is a great character and a brilliant professional. The entire dressing room will join me in wishing him the very best going forwards.”

A statement on the club’s website adds; “Newport County AFC would like to thank Abdoulaye Meite for his efforts whilst at the club and wish him well for the future.”

Meite won 48 caps for the Ivory Coast and previously played for Marseille, Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.

He made six appearances for County – three starts and three from the bench.

Meite made his debut as a substitute in the 4-1 defeat at Blackpool on November 26 before starting in the FA Cup second round clash at Plymouth Argyle alongside captain Scot Bennett.

The pair helped the Exiles to earn a clean sheet and a replay with a 0-0 draw.

Meite also came off the bench as County lost the replay on December 21 and in the home defeat to Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

He started in the 4-1 home loss to Exeter City on New Year’s Eve and the 2-1 reverse at Wycombe Wanderers two days later and was an unused substitute as County went down 3-1 at Stevenage on January 7.