East loan spell at Cobblers ends as he returns to Hull

The right-back, who turned 21 on Boxing Day, started 19 games in his time at Sixfields and came off the bench twice in what was a highly productive four-month stay.

East did not score in Northampton colours and was booked twice, with both those yellow cards coming in the same game – the late 1-0 defeat at Fleetwood Town in September.

East cited the victory over Port Vale, which the squad dedicated to Alex Nicholls after the striker suffered a bad injury in the game, as the highlight of his time with the club.

The player wrote on Twitter: “To all the team at Northampton, not got everyone’s numbers so take care and hope to see you soon and you Youth Team boys as well, all the best.”

The loan deals for Henoc Mukendi (Liverpool), Clarke Carlisle (York City) and Emyr Huws (Manchester City) are all up for renewal in January, while goalkeeper Lee Nicholls is due to remain at the club from Wigan Athletic until the end of the current season.