NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh says he’s never made an easier decision than the one to name David Pipe as his new captain after Gary Warren’s departure.

The former Wales international has been a revelation for Newport since Anthony Hudson took a gamble in signing the midfielder following a stretch in prison for assault.

Pipe attracted widespread interest from League One and League Two clubs this summer but opted to remain with the Exiles as a form of thanks to them taking a chance on him after his release.

Pipe was still electronically tagged as part of his parole when he linked up with Newport and Edinburgh was only too happy to tell him he’ll wear the captain’s armband after Gary Warren’s move to Inverness.

“Pipey is a natural captain, a natural leader of men and to pick him as our new captain was about the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make in football,” he said.

“He’s produced the goods for me ever since I joined the club and I mean that on and off the pitch, he’s an inspirational character and was a very obvious choice to be captain.

“He is also a very popular choice. The players like him and they respect him immensely.

“Gaz (Gary Warren) is a big loss but just like Gary I have a natural leader here in Pipey.”

Edinburgh is also expecting far more from Pipe this season.

“I think as he got fitter he got better and better for us,” he said.

“I only expect that to continue, with a full pre-season under his belt I think David can raise his game to the next level for us.”

Edinburgh is continuing to tinker with his squad and this week signed two free agents and familiar faces, Lee Minshull and Ryan Charles.

Both have penned one-year deals after their contracts at Wimbledon and Cam-bridge expired.

“That’s good for us, it’s two more signings done and two more players who I feel have a lot to offer us,” Edinburgh said.

“I hope to have three more signed and sealed within the next few days, certainly by Monday or so.”

The Exiles, the Argus can reveal, are currently talking to half a dozen players in total about signing for next season.

Three of them, Andy Sandell, Romone Rose and Max Porter, were at Spytty Park last season on loan and are expected to pen deals shortly.

“We’re close with all of them, we should have news soon,” Edinburgh concluded.