Exiles new boy captained Rooney and Scholes

9:41am Saturday 5th July 2008

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HE may be only 20-years old, but County's newest signing Danny Rose has one hell of a CV.

Indeed, if footballing education equated to academia, then Rose would have first class degrees from Oxford and Harvard.

Plucked from the obscurity of the local leagues in Bristol at the tender age of 14, Rose has grown up in the academy of Manchester United, quite a place for a boy to become a man.

However, Rose didn't just merge into the background in his five years at Old Trafford, he caught the eye of some exceptionally famous football characters.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was one. He delivered the news of Rose' release to him personally, such was his regard for the young midfielder.

United reserve chief Brian McClair was another, insisting that Rose captain the reserve side in the 2006/7 season.

Not a bad side it was either. For three months, Rose barked instructions at England striker Alan Smith.

For a number of weeks, Rose slotted into midfield alongside his idol and mentor at United, England's Paul Scholes.

He also skippered one or two other players you may just have heard of. Mikkel Silvestre was one, Real Madrid's Gabriel Heinze another. Oh and there was one other chap, a little known striker who goes by the name of Wayne Rooney.

However, Rose didn't make the grade at United and ended up at Oxford after a move to Bristol Rovers fell through at the last minute.

Rose played over 40 times for Oxford in the Conference National, but he struggled to make his mark in a side who preferred to adopt more of a long ball style.

Several clubs in the Conference were quick to offer him a trial this summer. However, Rose wanted stability and decided a chance to work under Dean Holdsworth was an opportunity too good to pass up, signing on with County on Thursday night with a view to a two-year stay at least.

He explains: "Obviously Manchester United is a fantastic place to train every day, it was brilliant being part of the set-up.

"However, by the time the 2006/7 season came around, I knew it was make or break for me.

"I was captain of the reserves, I'd had good reviews from people like Ricky Sbragia (now Bolton assistant boss) Rene Meulensteen (United academy chief) and Brian McClair, who made me reserve captain.

"But the quality of the United first team squad is incredible and after a loan spell with Oxford I was happy to go there."

Rose's release from Us raised eyebrows, but their loss is County's gain.

The youngster insists moving to the Exiles wasn't a tough decision.

He explained: "My father lives in Newport so in a sense they're my local club.

"The chance to play under Dean Holdsworth appealed because he's been there and done it at the highest level.

"I also got a good feel about the club after speaking to Matt Green (ex-County and a former loanee for Oxford).

"Not only did he speak highly of the place, but he went from County to Cardiff City and obviously in an ideal world I would like to play at the highest level possible.

"But I am very happy to have signed for Newport and hope to make a big impact."

Describing his qualities, he said: "I am a good passer and like to try and control a game, a bit like Paul Scholes.

"He was a big influence on me at United, I'd love to develop my game like him. I also try and model myself on players like Andres Iniesta, stylish players who always have time on the ball."

Meanwhile, another young midfielder is set to sign up for County.

Boss Holdsworth has been running the rule over Kris Leek, the long-throw specialist who left the club for Clevedon last season after a falling-out with then boss Peter Beadle.

"Kris has come back for training and wants to be part of things here, which gives us four good central midfield options for next season," Holdsworth said.

Leek currently has a broken hand.

County may also benefit from a link with the youth academy at Swansea City after popular former-Exiles goalkeeper Tony Pennock was named as their new academy chief.

Pennock has given up his roles with the FAW and as the Wales semi-professional manager.

He told the Argus: "Getting this job is a real dream come true for me, nothing will please me more than getting some young players into the Swansea side and then the Wales squad.

"Perhaps I didn't achieve all I could have as a player; maybe I made mistakes early in my career.

"But I decided years ago I wanted to stay in the game and got all the relevant coaching qualifications, something I can't advocate enough.

"To be selected for the job by a manager as talented as Roberto Martinez is an honour really."

Pennock is expecting to keep close ties with County next term.

"I am already in the process of arranging some friendlies between the two academy sides," he revealed.

"We certainly wouldn't rule out some players going to Newport on loan if we think both parties could benefit.

"I would like to wish everyone connected with Newport good luck and best wishes for next season. The first chance I get to come to Spytty Park to watch a game, I'll be there."