Newport County AFC have completed the signing of Nicky Maynard on a loan deal from Mansfield Town, subject to international clearance.
Maynard has joined the club until the end of the campaign after putting pen-to-paper on a loan switch from County’s League Two rivals.
He brings a wealth of experience to the Exiles having made nearly 400 appearances across the Football League and Premier League.
The striker, who progressed through Crewe Alexandra’s youth system, made his senior debut for the then-Championship club before earning a move to Bristol City, where he scored 46 times in 131 appearances.
After departing the Robins in 2012, Maynard joined West Ham United and netted four goals in 17 outings for the Hammers, who he helped on their way to the Premier League in 2012 after sealing promotion through the Championship play-offs.
The 34-year-old was part of another promotion-winning side with Cardiff City in the following season after moving to south Wales for the 2012-13 campaign. He managed three goals and three assists in 26 appearances for the Bluebirds, with eight of those outings coming in the Premier League.
A spell with MK Dons followed for the striker prior to a move to the Scottish Premiership, where he was reunited with his former Bristol City manager Derek McInness.
He then returned to England in September 2018 and joined Bury, who were then sat in League Two. Maynard, who was playing alongside County striker Dom Telford during his time at the club, netted 21 times in 41 appearances for the Shakers, helping them secure promotion to League One after a second-placed finish. He also finished as the third highest scorer in League Two following his goals throughout the 2018-19 campaign.
Maynard then made a permanent switch to Mansfield last season, managing 15 goals and two assists in 35 appearances. He signed a new contract with the Stags this term and netted four times in 21 outings in the first half of the campaign.
After completing the deal, Maynard said: "I had a few offers from clubs in this league and in League One, but the gaffer got hold of me, told me about the club and how it’s going forward, so hopefully it works out for me here.
"I want to come in, score goals and help the team push towards the top of the table."
Manager Michael Flynn added: "Nicky has been a proven goalscorer throughout his career and will bring a wealth of experience to the club. He knows what it takes to get to League One after his promotion with Bury a few seasons ago.
"He's still a player who is very hungry and I'm sure he will score the goals to keep us at the top end of the table between now and the end of the season."