Deano bolstered by two new boys (From South Wales Argus)

Deano bolstered by two new boys

9:30am Saturday 5th December 2009 in Latest Football By Michael Pearlman

NEWPORT County boss Dean Holdsworth will have two new faces in his squad today at Twerton Park as the table-topping Exiles face Bath City with a mounting injury crisis.

The Exiles yesterday sealed deals for two players, one on a permanent basis and one temporarily until January 1 and both have received their international clearance for today’s game.

The permanent signing is winger James Coutts, formerly of Bournemouth, Grays Athletic and Weymouth. He has recently been living in and playing in the USA, but Holdsworth secured his signing after he trained with the Exiles on Thursday, having been offered deals with two other clubs.

The 22-year old joins initially on a non-contract basis, but is hopeful of securing a permanent contract.

Holdsworth has also completed a short-term swoop for American Anthony Peters, a 6ft 4in central defender who has featured in the MLS for both Chicago Fire and Cleveland City Stars.

The 26-year old has agreed a pre-contract agreement with Conference outfit Mansfield Town, but can’t play for them until January 1, allowing Holdsworth to agree a short-term switch with his twin brother David, manager of the Stags.

There is no prospect of Peters, described as a “pure athlete,” staying beyond the start of January, but the Argus can exclusively reveal that a new defender will join County permanently once the transfer window re-opens.

A deal is all but done for a new man to replace Alton Thelwell, who has now signed for Kettering.

Holdsworth’s busy day of shopping comes as he faces up to a first injury crisis of the campaign.

Other than winger Takumi Ake (cruciate ligament), Holdsworth has been relatively lucky with injuries this term, but he faces big problems ahead of the busy Christmas period.

Up to six County players are doubtful for tomorrow’s game with various bumps and bruises, including midfielder Danny Rose (foot) and Jamie Collins, though defender Martyn Giles returns after a bout of suspected swine flu.

Striker Dave Gilroy, in superb form after returning from a loan at Weston-super-Mare, is out for six weeks with medial knee ligament damage and Nathan Davies, who had been hopeful of a return to first team action, now faces an operation.

Davies has failed to shrug off an ankle injury and will now go under the surgeon’s knife.

A busy Holdsworth commented: “This is the highest number of injuries I’ve had in my time at the club and we’ve had a big blow with Nathan, he’s going to need an operation.

“Dave Gilroy is out for six weeks, we’ve had him scanned and that’s disappointing as well, so it was important to bring in some new faces.”

Both signings are capable of making an immediate impact according to the manager.

“James is back in the UK and looking to kick-start his career, he looked very sharp in training and with other clubs sniffing around, we were thrilled to be able to bring him in.

“Anthony is another one; it was an ideal situation to bring him here.

“He’s a pure athletic, big, quick and strong and we’ve got him for a month until he goes to Mansfield.”

Holdsworth added: “He is getting rave reviews from my brother and I’ve spoken to Rob Duffy about him as well.

“It’s a busy time of the season and we need options and strength in numbers.”