NEWPORT County boss Terry Butcher expects every outfield player in his squad to be versatile and adaptable this season as they prepare to play in numerous positions.

But Butcher doesn’t believe his signings will need any time to find their best form even though many are arriving from non-league football, or relegation.

The Exiles manager has signed 10 new players this summer, but is still likely to have one of the smallest squads in League Two next term.

Following the 2-0 midweek defeat to Bath City that left Butcher with a huge number of injury concerns, he admits he’s going to have to ask players to play a string of positions ahead of the season-opener at Cambridge on August 7.

Right back Seth Nana Twumasi and central defender Regan Poole have already featured in midfield roles and winger Alex Rodman has started at centre forward so far in pre-season, with Butcher ready to keep testing his charges in unfamiliar roles.

“I’ve made this point very clear, all the outfield players need to have that in their locker if you like, they have to be able to play and impress in a variety of roles for us,” he said.

“We are going to need to see players who are comfortable in two or three positions. We will keep having to move players around the park depending on the situation.

“That’s why you try and sign good footballers, players comfortable with the ball, because it’s not a problem for them.”

Signing number 10, striker Scott Boden was one of five players to arrive from Conference clubs this summer, while a further four signings – Matt Taylor from Cheltenham, Danny Holmes from Tranmere and Yeovil duo Nathan Franks and Seth Nana Twumasi, tasted relegation last term.

However, Butcher has no qualms whatsoever about a group of players who he feels have everything to prove this season.

“I always try and sign players with ability on the pitch but with everything to prove in their careers,” Butcher said.

“I’m not interested in signing players who would just want to come to Newport County and see it as a final chance to get a piece of glory for themselves. We would rather players who have it all to prove.”

Butcher isn’t concerned about four relegations from his charges last term either.

“A lot of players get relegated in their careers and I include myself in that, I was relegated with Ipswich Town,” he said.

“But that didn’t stop me from playing in two World Cups after that!

“It doesn’t worry me that they’ve experienced disappointments last season, because it’s about Newport now and because of their experiences, these players are desperate to improve and impress their new supporters.

“And if anything, relegation should really spur these players on.

“After a perceived failure, the reaction is to want to prove yourself and it should make these boys even more determined to have a good season here.”