NEW signing Matt Partridge is aiming to fill Regan Poole’s boots in central defence and help Newport County AFC shoot up the League Two table – starting with victory over York City this afternoon.

Partridge, a free agent after agreeing to cancel his contract with Dagenham & Redbridge, arrived at Rodney Parade just hours after Poole sealed his move to Manchester United.

The 21-year-old is only four years older than Poole but he’s hoping to provide the County back line with some stability and greater experience.

“His move has obviously opened up a space in defence that I’m hoping to come in and fill and make it my own,” said Partridge, who is also a big fan of Exiles boss Terry Butcher.

“That was a major factor for me coming to Newport,” he added. “Obviously you want to learn from the best and the gaffer’s been there and done it at the highest level so I feel like I’ve got a lot to learn from him.

“He’s told me he wants me to come in and be a man, talk and get the boys playing. Hopefully that’s what I can do.

“There’s a few youngsters and if I can help them through games I’ll do that.

“It will be unusual for me being one of the most experienced players but it’s something I’ll take in my stride.

“I’ll try to lead from the back and that’s not something I fear.”

Partridge watched Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Swindon Town and was impressed with what he saw, despite the eventual defeat on penalties.

“There was a lot of promise in that second half and hopefully we can take that confidence into this game,” he said.

“The lads defended well and they were unfortunate in the end.

“We want a win but the confidence is still there in the group and I feel like everyone is confident that it will come this weekend.

“They’re all good players here and there’s no reason why we can’t go and get three points.

“We want to climb the table and get Newport as high as possible and my goal is to play every game.”

Partridge says it was that desire to play that led him to cancel his contract with the Daggers last month.

“Dagenham brought in a few defenders so I felt my opportunities there would be limited so Dagenham and myself were happy to bring that contract to an end,” he said.

“I felt it was an opportunity for me to get more games and I feel that the lads have got a lot to offer and hopefully I can help them climb up the table.”

Meanwhile, fellow defender Aaron Hayden has extended his loan spell at Rodney Parade until October 10.