NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher hopes the announcement of his first signings will convince fans to snap up season tickets for the new campaign.

Having seen 15 players leave Rodney Parade since he took over from Jimmy Dack, Butcher this morning revealed his first three signings.

Goalkeeper Rhys Taylor and defender Scott Barrow have both signed from Macclesfield Town on one-year deals while former Grimsby Town striker Lenell John-Lewis has agreed a two-year contract.

And that can only be good news for the Exiles with season ticket sales down around 10 per cent on this time last year amid the uncertainty over the playing squad.

“Some fans have said to me they won’t buy a season ticket until they know who’s going to be in the team and I think that’s fair enough," said Butcher, before this morning's announcement.

“Hopefully we will be able to announce some signings soon and the fans will be pleased and go out and buy their season tickets.”

Defender Ryan Jackson this week became the latest player to leave the club after turning down the offer of a new deal at County to be reunited with former boss Justin Edinburgh at League One Gillingham.

Butcher says he understands the player’s decision to move on.

“I’m disappointed but I can understand it,” he said. “Ryan is moving up a division so we wish him well.”

Coach Wayne Hatswell and physio Adam Roche could be the next employees to leave Rodney Parade but Butcher says he is not yet ready to announce any news on his backroom staff.

“I can’t say anything on that at the moment,” said the Exiles boss. “But we’re making strides.

“We’re building a fresh team on and off the pitch and it’s about building structures and foundations for next season and beyond.”

Butcher is also still working on persuading young defenders Andrew Hughes and Regan Poole to stay at the club.

Hughes, aged 22, has been sidelined with a serious knee injury since last December and is mulling over the offer of a new contract.

“I have spoken to Andrew Hughes’ agent and I’m sure we’ll have more discussions when Andrew is back from holiday,” he said.

“We want him to get fit and get back playing for this club next season.”

Poole, who turns 17 next month, has just returned from a tour with Liverpool’s under-18s team after rejecting several contract offers to stay with the Exiles.

“Regan is next on my list to speak to,” said Butcher. “It was a good opportunity for him [with Liverpool] and he is such a talent. We hope he stays with us as well.”