Deal complete as Mansfield Town lose Nicky Hunt to Leyton Orient

The defender will again work with O’s manager Kevin Nolan after a spell together at Bolton Wanderers as team mates in the early noughties.

Hunt, 32, made 21 appearances this season for the Stags following his signing for the club last summer on a free transfer from Accrington Stanley.

Fans unhappy to lose Nicky Hunt – click HERE

Manager Adam Murray told the club’s website www.mansfieldtown.net: “We received a bid for Nicky on Thursday.

“It was a surprise to us and as a football club we weighed up our options.

“It’s very rare for a football club at League Two level to receive a sum of money for a 32-year-old full back and after consideration, we felt the deal was right all-round from both the club’s perspective and from a football point of view.

“I know Nicky has relations with Leyton Orient’s manager and he wanted to go down and speak to the club - once Nicky’s head was turned to that, we couldn’t stand in his way.

“We thank Nicky for all he has done for us and now move on swiftly.”

Speaking about a potential replacement, Murray added: “We believe that we will be bringing somebody into the building who will make us stronger, not only now but in the future.”

Murray has until 11pm tonight to beat the closing of the January transfer window.