Deano keeps his squad together (From South Wales Argus)

Deano keeps his squad together

11:06am Friday 1st May 2009 in Latest Football By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth yesterday laid the foundations for next season’s promotion push by tying the majority of his squad to new deals.

On a busy day at Spytty Park, the Exiles boss agreed terms with captain Aaron Cook, midfielders Wayne Turk and Sam Foley, right-back Paul Bignot and goalkeeper Glyn Thompson, just 24 hours after welcoming Dave Gilroy and Scott Rogers from Bath City.

They join Danny Rose, Scott Armitage, Craig Reid, Nathan Davies, Martyn Giles and Paul Cochlin in Holdsworth’s plans for the 2009/10 campaign.

While former skipper Ian Hillier has opted to join his home-town club Neath Athletic in the Welsh Premier League, the Argus understands that player-coach Steve Jenkins and youngsters Chris Hartland, Gary Colborne, Ricky Manship and Tom Lyons will also stay with the club.

Of the squad that finished 10th in the Blue Square South this season that leaves only the injured Kevin Cooper, midfielder Kris Leek, left-back Matt Smith and reserve goalkeeper Kieron Blackburn with their futures yet to be decided.

After meeting with the players last night Holdsworth revealed that Cooper, Leek and Smith would all be joining the squad for pre-season, the latter two after they return from pre-booked holidays.

And with the Exiles boss believed to be on the verge of more new signings in the next week there is a wave of optimism about next season amongst the long-suffering County fans.

“I’m delighted that they have agreed to stay with us,” said Holdsworth.

“They have all played a big part of our success since December and they all want to be a part of the squad next season as we try to keep that run going.

“Aaron and Wayne have fitted in really well since they arrived from Salisbury.

"Sam and Paul have been massive for us and Glyn is a vital part of the back five – we look forward to many more clean sheets from him,” he added.

Captain Cook has struggled to cope with the commute from his home in Southampton but such is his belief in Holdsworth’s vision that he didn’t need much persuading to stay.

“It has been difficult but I was always keen on staying,” he said. “And the way we finished the season convinced me that we can be in and around the play-offs next year.

“The fact that Wayne is also staying was a big factor too as I meet him in Swindon and we can also now share the driving with Dave Gilroy who also lives along the M4,” added the 29-year-old.

“I think Wayne and I didn’t really appreciate the size of the club before we arrived but we do now.

“The fans are amazing and Dean is ambitious – he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t believe this club was going places and I’m delighted to be a part of that.”

Meanwhile, former County favourite Andy Legg has been appointed manager of Welsh Premier side Llanelli following the shock departure of Peter Nicholas earlier this week.