NEWPORT County AFC will not comment on rumours linking them with a move for wantaway Hartlepool United striker Padraig Amond.

The Hartlepool Mail has reported that County are in talks to sign Amond, after the 29-year-old refused to play for Pools at Bromley on Saturday.

But the Exiles are not prepared to comment on the matter as they focus on tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup second round clash at Leeds United.

Pools manager Craig Harrison has, however, revealed that Amond has been set on leaving Victoria Park since the summer.

According to the Mail, the Irishman claimed he was not mentally in the right state of mind to play for Hartlepool at the weekend.

And the report, unconfirmed but not denied by the Exiles, states that talks with are ongoing with the clubs attempting to reach a financial agreement.

“It did not really come as a surprise to me,” said Harrison.

“Podge hasn’t wanted to be here. He handed in a transfer request four or five weeks ago. The last step for Podge was to make himself unavailable.

“From my own point of view, and I speak for the coaches, too, we have done all that we can to keep him.”

When asked whether he felt let down by the player, Harrison said: “Only he can say how he is feeling, you have to ask the fans how they feel, and the other players.

“All I can say is how I feel and I bent over backwards, worked my socks off to keep him here.

“I have batted off clubs left, right and centre over the summer.

“Podge has played every game, scored one goal. A penalty. It is his decision.


“We cannot do anything more. And now we have to make sure we deal with it.”

When asked whether any action could be taken against Amond, should a move not materialise, or whether he may have a route back in at Pools, Harrison said: “That is not a conversation for here and now.


“I would like to have that conversation with the player in an isolated situation.

“Those talks will take place over the next few days.”