THE new manager of Newport County will have to cope with a player exodus this summer according to one of the candidates who missed out on the job.

Martin Foyle was informed this week that he was no longer in the running to take over the reins at Spytty Park after two interviews.

The former York City boss insists he has no hard feelings towards the County board of directors but believes the players wanted him to be appointed.

And Foyle has warned that the decision to look elsewhere will lead to several Exiles stars jumping ship once the season ends on April 30.

“I treat my players well and the vibes coming out from the squad were very positive,” said the 47-year-old, who was also in charge at Port Vale from 2004 to 2007.

“I know a few of the current squad at Newport and some of my ex-players know them as well and from what I know they wanted me on board.

“I think we could have got a few of them to stay on and sign contracts but my information is that several of them will now leave this summer.”

Foyle, who led York to the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final last May before resigning in September, says he was very interested in the Exiles job and was surprised to be told he had not made the final shortlist.

Liam Daish, Colin West and Anthony Hudson are the last men standing and Foyle says that whoever gets the job will have a tough task ahead of them.

“It’s a hard league as I’ve found out over the last few years,” he said.

“It took me three or four months to get used to the demands and it will be the same for whoever the club appoint.

“It was a job I was 100% interested in,” he added. “I had an informal meeting with (director of football) Tim Harris and two interviews as well as going down to watch a match.

“We never spoke about money or anything like that but I was a bit shocked not to be in the final three.

“It’s disappointing but politics plays a big part in football unfortunately.

“The best person doesn’t always get the job but I wish them all the best.”

Chairman Chris Blight is hopeful of making an appointment soon but has urged all parties to be patient, stressing that negotiations are a two-way process.

“We are close but as much as it is a choice we have to make as to who we offer the job, the candidate will also have a choice to make as to whether they accept our offer or not,” he explained.

“Liam Daish, Anthony Hudson and Colin West are being considered by us but Liam is already in a job at Ebbsfleet.

“Everybody would love to make the announcement as soon as possible and have the new man presented to the crowd before the game against Grimsby but it may take longer than that.”

The Argus understands that Blight was in negotiations with Hudson, who is considered the frontrunner, until late last night and that talks are ongoing.

Preparations for tomorrow’s visit of Grimsby Town have been somewhat overshadowed this week but caretaker boss Tim Harris is happy to concentrate on the football.

He enjoyed only his second win in 13 matches against Gateshead on Tuesday night and he’s looking to build on that.

“We’ve shown a lot of spirit over the last three or four matches and that is encouraging,” said Harris. “It would have been easy for the players to be distracted by all the rumours and speculation but they have performed excellently. I had a long chat with them after training yesterday and they know they’ve got to focus fully on what happens on the pitch.”

With his time as caretaker boss nearing an end, Harris reflected on a difficult couple of months at the club.

“I’m taking everything on the chin,” he said. “It’s been tough at times but I’m trying to enjoy it and the last few games have shown that the players are responding to what we have been working on in training, which is pleasing.”

Midfield enforcer Scott Rogers is struggling with a knee injury and Tom Miller is on standby to step in.