Defenders Luke Waterfall and Kieron Freeman have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells with Mansfield Town, the club has confirmed.

Centre-half Waterfall heads back to League One Scunthorpe United after making seven appearances in the amber and blue, whilst right-back Kieron Freeman returns to Derby County following 11 league starts for the Stags.

It follows the news of other departures today after it was announced that striker Ollie Palmer had joined Grimsby Town on loan and goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov returned to parent club Nottingham Forest after a four month stay at One Call Stadium.

Boss Adam Murray then pulled off a coup later in the afternoon by signing prolific frontman Billy Kee on a three month loan from Scunthorpe United.

Manager Adam Murray said: “Both players [Waterfall and Freeman] have been excellent during their time here.

“We feel that the changing room now needs freshening up. In the centre-half position, I feel we need some Football League experience; a character and a leader, and I’m looking to bring somebody in imminently.

“At this current time, we don’t have an out-and-out left back at the football club and again, this is something I am looking to act upon as soon as possible.

“I’d like to thank both Luke and Kieron for their application and professionalism whilst at our club and I am sure they will go on to have great careers.”