DEFENDER Danny Holmes can’t wait to play at Rodney Parade for the first time in a Newport County AFC shirt today, claiming signing for the club is the best decision he’s ever made.

The Birkenhead-born right-back found it hard to leave Tranmere Rovers – the team he supported as a boy – but he’s certain that the move to south Wales was the right one for him.

And, having experienced back-to-back relegations with his beloved Rovers – Holmes is predicting that the Exiles can not only beat the drop but be a surprise package in League Two this season.

“It was difficult to leave Tranmere because I’ve supported them all my life,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’ve been there since I was seven so I thought if I’m going to do it then this is the time for me to experience something new and I think it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me within these six weeks that I’ve been here.

“I had a couple of offers that didn’t really suit me and I was about to sign for Tranmere that day that the offer came in [from County].

“I thought I’d just go for it and try something different.

“I 100 per cent made the right decision,” he added. “Just looking at the fixture list – I think Tranmere had Gateshead on Tuesday when we were at Wolves.

“It’s a no-brainer but I still support Tranmere and I hope they come straight back up.”

Holmes is set to start today as Terry Butcher’s side host Teddy Sheringham’s Stevenage in the battle of the former England heroes.

“I can’t wait to play at Rodney Parade because I didn’t play in the QPR game but I saw how passionate the fans were,” he said.

“It was a really good atmosphere considering it was a friendly so I can’t see why we can’t better that against Stevenage.

“The fans that were at Wolves will have seen how well we played so hopefully there will be a bit of excitement to see us play our first home game.

“I did play for Tranmere in the 1-1 draw in February and when I got injured the fans were giving me a bit of grief, thinking I was faking it so it’s good to know they’re on my side now!”

After defeats at Cambridge United in the league and Wolves in the Capital One Cup, Holmes knows that the Exiles need a win but he’s confident that the new-look side can succeed this season.

“I think the past two games we’ve played some really good football but, at the end of the day, it’s a results business,” he said.

“We’ve got to get the three points and hopefully play good football as well.

“They’ve got a new manager as well so it’s sort of the same transition period for them but I think we’ve gelled really well – we just need to get the results now.

“We’ve got a very good team here and we’re all together. We want to do really well and I don’t see any reason why we can’t push up the league and be a surprise package.”