DELIGHTED Newport County boss Justin Edinburgh admits he can’t believe his luck after landing his top two summer transfer targets.

The Exiles last night unveiled 23-year-old Adam Chapman, a Northern Ireland U21 international, on a two-year deal with a club option of a third season.

Edinburgh has also landed free agent striker Chris Zebroski, 26, who spent last season with Cheltenham Town and then Conference South side Eastleigh. He has signed a one-year deal.

Both players have been in talks with the Exiles for a number of weeks but the signing of Chapman in particular is seen as something of a coup.

“I think Adam made a big difference for Mansfield, I think he pushed them over the top in terms of their promotion,” Edinburgh said.

“When he went there we did fear he might move in that direction, he played a major role in getting them up.

“Our fans will know him from his previous loan spell and they took to him. He will give us goals, vision and aspects maybe we don’t always get from midfield.

“Chris is at his peak at 26, he knows this league and that’s what we are looking for, players who add a new dimension and bring competition.”

Both of Newport’s signings have somewhat chequered pasts.

As reported previously in the Argus, Chapman served 14 months in a young offenders’ institute on a death by dangerous driving charge and Zebroski acknowledged that he has battled issues with alcohol in the past.

But Edinburgh insists he’s always going to be a manager who offers second chances.

“I think people need opportunities in life, we’ve had one or two of them in my time here and both boys are young and have already achieved a lot in the game,” he said.

“They have desire, they have ambition and I think they both offer us something different.

“They were easy decisions to make. There are other options out there but I feel they fit the model of player I want.

“I’ve been very lucky to sign my two first choices and having also kept all the players we desired, you can’t ask for too much more.

“They join a special group of players and I have no doubt they fit the mould for how I want to play.

“We’ve paid a fee for Adam and I can only thank the chairman (Les Scadding) for once again backing my judgement and allowing me to bring in what I feel is the right player.”

Chapman admits he had other options but was seduced by Newport during his previous loan spell with the club.

“I hope County fans are pleased I’m back, I really enjoyed my time here and I would happily have stayed here longer that season,” he said. “I stayed in contact with the manager and I think highly of him, he was a big factor in me coming back here as was Jimmy Dack.

“Things have changed at the club massively, but all for the better and I can’t wait to play my part.”

Zebroski also acknowledged that Edinburgh was key to him picking Rodney Parade.

“I was out of the Football League last season, I’ve had some difficulties off the field and now I’m in a good place and raring to go,” he said.

“The gaffer has signed players before who have had problems off the field and that’s similar to my situation.

“We talked openly and honestly and he’s just very impressive. To get out of the Conference is so difficult and the club have so much momentum.”

- Edinburgh confirmed the players will return for pre-season training on June 27.

- Full interviews with County’s new signings in the Argus tomorrow and on Saturday.