Super Cooper gets nod as Deano finalizes squad (From South Wales Argus)

Super Cooper gets nod as Deano finalizes squad

10:50am Wednesday 5th August 2009 in Sport By Michael Pearlman

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth has made the tough decisions this week, deciding who stays and who goes from his bumper squad ahead of the start of the Blue Square South campaign.

County kick-off on Saturday away at Bishop’s Stortford and boss Holdsworth, who is hopeful of adding one final player to his ranks before the campaign begins, has made the decisions fans have been debating for a number of weeks.

Winger Kevin Cooper, who has recovered from a broken ankle, stays at Spytty Park, agreeing non-contract terms after impressing Holdsworth with both his desire and attitude in pre-season.

Kris Leek, a product of the Exiles’ academy, also stays on non-contract terms, his impressive pre-season form and injuries to duo Nathan Davies and Wayne Turk giving Leek the chance to cement a spot.

Defender Matt Smith, also not signed up for next season, is on holiday and will miss the start of the campaign (which has baffled many at the club), though the Argus understands Holdsworth is likely to secure his signature when he returns.

However, only youngster Josh Hartrick will stay on out of the triallists used this summer, he will join Glyn Jones’ academy.

Leading the list of those not retained is utility man Ali Gibb, who has failed to earn a move to Spytty Park despite featuring heavily throughout pre-season.

Academy striker Scott Armitage, who signed a two-year deal at Newport at the end of the last campaign, is also on the move, set for a season-long loan to Southern League outfit Merthyr Tydfil, which should be confirmed today.

The Exiles also plan to send academy graduates Gary Colborne and Ricky Manship out on loan in the coming days.

“It’s been tough, telling players they aren’t needed, it is always a difficult time,” Holdsworth explained.

“We only have so many places available and that would hold back the youngsters, so hopefully they’ll all get out on loan to get valuable experience playing men’s football week in and week out.”

The boss was thrilled that he was able to agree terms with Cooper.

“Kevin staying is a massive plus for me, I think he’s got so much to offer,” he said.

“He has tremendous desire to stay, he loves the club and we won’t overuse him this season, we have good competition for places throughout the squad and used wisely, Kevin will be a really important player.

“He sees what we are trying to do and desperately wants to be a part of things here, it’s just what I wanted to hear and I am thrilled he is staying with us, his experience and ability are huge assets for us.”

Holdsworth is hopeful of adding a striker to his squad before the new campaign gets underway.

Prolific Blue Square South pair Craig Reid and Dave Gilroy will start as first choice, but the boss is concerned (as several supporters are) by a lack of height in the Exiles attack.

He is looking for a target man and hopes to make progress on that goal shortly.

“It is something we are looking at, I would like the option, a striker who gives us a plan B as well,” he explained.

Holdsworth spent last weekend scouting Bishop’s Stortford who have also welcomed a host of new faces this summer, most notably former Welling ace and son of Teddy, Charlie Sheringham.