NEWPORT County have completed the signing of goalkeeper Roger Freestone, as revealed in yesterday's Argus Sport, and the big stopper says he always thought that he would return to the place where his career started.

Freestone began his career at Somerton Park 18 years ago before he was given a chance to move to big guns Chelsea. Thing did not work out at Stamford Bridge so he then went on to spend 14 years at Swansea. Freestone said: "Once I knew that I was going to be released at Swansea, Newport was always my first choice.

"I had a great relationship with the fans at Swansea and hopefully I can have that here at Newport."

The 'keeper, from Risca, has been helping out with training for the County goalkeepers, so he knows all about the current crop of Conference hopefuls.

He said: "There is a good squad of players, many I have played with or against and they had a good season last year. If they had got off to a better start they would have been challenging right at the top.

"But there are big challenges ahead next year and I am looking forward to it."

County boss Peter Nicholas was pleased with his new acquisition and he promised that several more new faces are on their way.

Nicholas said: "Roger has great pedigree and has done it at the top. It is a very good bit of business because he will be a great presence at the back for us.

"He won't be the last to come in. We are already looking at six or seven new players but we will not rush into anything."