Deano moves for one more

7:20am Tuesday 29th July 2008

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NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth is looking to draft in one final recruit before the new Conference South season gets underway, the Argus has learned.

The Exiles chief will run the rule over the unnamed transfer target, understood to be a former Football League player, in tomorrow’s friendly against League Two new-boys Exeter City (kick-off 7.45pm).

The contest, the first friendly match to be played at Spytty Park all summer, represents a massive step up in class for the Exiles.

It should prove the toughest pre-season game yet for Newport, with Exeter expected to send a stronger side than the Leeds XI who visit Spytty on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Argus have bee asked not to name the transfer target, though his possible arrival signifies a loosening of the purse strings at the Exiles.

Former England B striker Holdsworth has been set a strict budget for this season – significantly lower than last year – but another addition to the squad would make clear that the board are prepared to go the extra mile for their new manager.

A delighted Holdsworth explained: “We have got one triallist coming in for Wednesday, it’s a significant move for us and hopefully everything will turn out for the best.

“I don’t want to publicly name him at this stage, but it should give us another boost just before the big kick-off.”

Holdsworth is thrilled to be returning to Spytty Park, believing it important for his plethora of new signings – a dozen and counting – to experience their new home.

“It’s big to be back at Spytty, we want it to be a fortress next season and for our new players to familiarise themselves with the ground,” he said.

“The next two games are a big step up in class and it’ll give us a good idea of where we are.

“I am hoping for a good crowd tomorrow, Newport fans can be our 12th man.”

Holdsworth is expecting to name a side close to his starting line-up for Wimbledon on August 9, but admits nothing is finalised.

“I am working towards our starting XI for the first game, but places are still very much up for grabs,” he said.

Striker Craig Hughes is unlikely to start either game, as he is suspended for the first game of the new campaign. Youngster Chris Harland will also miss out as he is carrying over a suspension for the youth league last term.

Meanwhile, Holdsworth has revealed the Argus were correct with yesterday’s world exclusive on the new music at Spytty Park!

“We will be coming out to the Match of the Day theme,” Holdsworth confirmed.

“However, we might sometimes mix it up and use the Rocky theme music instead.”