Recruiting tough for the Exiles, says Edinburgh (From South Wales Argus)

Recruiting tough for the Exiles, says Edinburgh

6:00am Thursday 17th January 2013 in Newport County By Michael Pearlman

NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh says it’s increasingly difficult to complete a transfer due to chairman Les Scadding’s well documented wealth.

Second in the Conference, County have boosted their ranks with the signings of Christian Jolley and Robbie Willmott in recent days, but have so far been unsuccessful in attempts to snare a central defender.

Edinburgh wants at least one more addition to his squad before the end of the month and last week saw a move for ex-Newport player Chris Todd hit the skids because Forest Green wanted a large transfer fee.

The Exiles have also been rebuffed by another target, believed to be Northampton defender Anthony Charles – who is set for a League Two club.

“It’s nigh on impossible at the moment,” said Edinburgh.

“We’ve got some enquiries in and we’ve contacted some clubs but to be honest the quotes we are getting are ridiculous. I think it’s the Les factor. People see we have money and they are taking the Mickey.”

County hope not to have to sell any players this month but the Argus understands that there continues to be interest in teen ace Lee Evans.

Two Premier League clubs watched Evans at Lincoln and the Argus understands Championship outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers have scouted him extensively for the past few weeks.

• Lenny Pidgeley, Byron Anthony, Lee Minshull, Danny Crow, Ben Swallow, Connor Washington and Ryan Charles all played in Tuesday’s friendly with Swindon Youth, County winning 3-2 with Luke Rooney and Alex Ferguson the Swindon scorers.

Washington, who scored for Newport, was said to have caught the eye in a man of the match turn.

• County have a family ticket offer available for Saturday’s home clash with Barrow.

For £25 a family of two adults and two children U16 can visit Rodney Parade.

Call 01633 670690 to book.