NEWPORT County AFC have signed up striker Dean Morgan for the remainder of the season, writes Andrew Penman.

The 32-year-old free agent has previously played for Reading, Luton Town, Crewe Alexandra, Southend United, MK Dons, Chesterfield, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers.

After spending two seasons with the Chairboys, Morgan made the switch to Woking in August 2014 and spent a period of last season on loan at Crawley Town.

The forward had a brief spell at Italian side U.S Ancona 1905 this season.

“I am glad the opportunity has arisen for me to join Newport County AFC,” he told the club website.

“The manager is someone I have known for a good number of years and I’m hoping that I can now get match fit and help the team progress and push on in the league.

“I have played in every league in England underneath the Premier League, so I am hoping that my experience and knowledge of the game will be of benefit to the younger members of the squad, who are still learning the game.

"Hopefully my experience will compliment my playing ability on the pitch.”

He added: "I consider myself as a bit of a flair player, who likes to create chances and be involved in attacking play as much as possible.

“As much as I like to score goals, I also like to assist my teammates and create chances for those players around me.

“I feel that I have been playing consistently throughout my career and now I want to push on and score a few goals during my time here with Newport.”

Manager Warren Feeney said: “Dean is a player who has a lot of ability and a vast amount of experience.

“He's played in teams that have been promoted and he has got a winning mentality.

“Dean has two very good feet and there is an edge to him, and he is another player with experience that will help us between now and the end of the season.”

Morgan will be eligible for Saturday’s clash with Carlisle United at Rodney Parade (kick-off 1pm), subject to international clearance.

Goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney, defender Ben Davies and midfielder Connor Dymond are all due to return to their parent clubs after Saturday’s match.

And striker Conor Wilkinson’s initial one-month loan from Bolton Wanderers ends after the trip to Exeter City on Saturday, February 20 (kick-off 1pm).

Striker Deane Smalley and defender Janoi Donacien are on loan at Rodney Parade until the end of the season.

Veteran centre-back Matt Taylor, who was released on transfer deadline day, has joined Conference South side Bath City as a player-coach.

The 34-year-old is no stranger to Twerton Park, having played for Team Bath during the 2006-07 season, before going on to make more than 200 Football League appearances for Exeter City, Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, Colchester United and Cheltenham Town.

He joined County last summer when he was signed by Terry Butcher but made just four appearances in competitive games for the Exiles.

Meanwhile, County’s League Two rivals Hartlepool United have parted company with manager Ronnie Moore.

His last game in charge was a 2-1 loss to Stevenage at Victoria Park on Tuesday, a result that leaves the club four points above the bottom two.

“This is an extremely difficult decision but one we feel is right for the Football Club,” explained chairman Gary Coxall.

“Ronnie has worked tirelessly to bring success to the club during his time at The Vic and we thank him sincerely for those efforts and wish him well for the future.”

Hartlepool in 22nd position remain three points behind Warren Feeney’s men with two games in hand.

County are still seven points above the bottom two, and now have a game in hand, after Dagenham & Redbridge were beaten 2-1 at home to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday.