Exiles swoop for Bath midfielder (From South Wales Argus)

Exiles swoop for Bath midfielder

11:10am Thursday 15th January 2009 in Latest Football By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth has moved to strengthen his squad by bringing in Bath City midfielder Scott Rogers on a one-month loan deal.

With Adie Harris departing for Weston-super-Mare, Danny Rose suspended and Nathan Davies still short of fitness, Rogers is in contention to start alongside Wayne Turk in central midfield at Fisher Athletic on Saturday.

The 29-year-old former Exeter City and Bristol City trainee has made 12 appearances for Bath this season and impressed Holdsworth when the sides met in the Setanta Shield at Twerton Park back in October.

“We made a note of him when he played against us and he was eager to come because he needs games after coming back from injury,” said Holdsworth.

“He wants to play for me, which is great, and he will add good experience to the side.

“He’s here for a month and it’s a chance for us to look at each other,” he added.

“Scott will join us for training tonight and will be a valuable addition to the squad ahead of two tough away games in 48 hours at Fisher and Worcester (on Monday).”

Former County winger Richard Evans, now at Bath City, backed up that view.

“It’s a good signing for County,” said Evans. “Scott is a very good midfielder. He hasn’t played as much as he’d have liked this season because of injury but I’m sure he will do well at Spytty Park.”

Holdsworth also remains on the hunt for reinforcements up front with Craig Reid the only recognised striker currently at the club.

“I’m still talking to a few targets and I’m hopeful a deal is close,” he added.

Meanwhile, as County look for their third win on the spin at fellow strugglers Fisher they have turned to spinning classes at Newport’s Fitness First gym to boost their stamina.

“It’s something a lot of professional clubs do and I thought it would do us good,” explained Holdsworth.

“It has showed in training and it certainly showed in the win over Chelmsford when they commented after the game how fit we were.

“I get involved as well and the feedback from the players is positive. They enjoy a change of scenery for training and I think it gives us a little edge over our opponents.”