MANAGER Warren Feeney says he will be ruthless when he tells his players who has a future at Newport County AFC and who must look for a new club.

County ended the season with a 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon meaning they finished in 22nd place in League Two after a run of 11 games without a win.

Substitute Toyosi Olusanya was brought down by Ben Davies and beat Exiles goalkeeper Rhys Taylor from the spot to seal the win for Neal Ardley’s Dons side on 80 minutes.

“It was tough. It was a dry pitch and I thought Ards would make a few changes,” said Feeney afterwards.

“It looked like an end of season game. They had a couple of chances, we had a couple of chances but again we got done by a long ball and a penalty.

“It’s a sloppy goal to give away and I think we lack a bit of belief in the final third. We’ve been lacking that for a while.

“I just said to the players that I don’t want to be in this position next year.

“No matter who stay and who goes you’ve got to take pride as a professional footballer – it’s the best job in the world and I for one don’t want a repeat of the year we’ve just had.

“We shouldn’t be in the position we’re in and it’s not something I had in my career too often.

“It’s not just about celebrating staying in the league. Look at Wimbledon who were struggling and now they’re in the play-offs.”

Feeney added: “You’ve got to give them credit as well – from where we were and with three managers and a new board – you’ve got to take the positives from it.

“It’s been a long season. Our objective was to stay up and we’ve done that. It’s about rebuilding now.

“The hard work starts now. It’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it.

“I want to get deals done as soon as possible. Players will wait but if we can get that head start on other clubs we’ll try to do that.”

Asked when he will speak to his squad about contracts for next season, Feeney said: “I think I’ll tell the players on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“It’s nothing personal. That’s football and that’s the job we’re in.

“You have to be ruthless. It’s nothing personal but I want my own players in.”