NEWPORT County AFC new boy Ben Tozer has been backed by his boss to silence his doubters by doing his talking on the pitch this season.

The midfielder has signed a one-year deal with the Exiles after leaving League Two rivals Yeovil following the expiry of his contract in Somerset.

Tozer, who has previously played for Newcastle, Swindon and Northampton, made 32 appearances for the Glovers last season and his former manager Darren Way expressed his frustration at losing the versatile 26-year-old.

"I am a little disappointed that Ben is the only player from last year who has decided to leave us and with such short notice, considering Yeovil Town Football Club has provided Ben an unbelievable level of service," he said at the start of the month.

"The football club spent thousands last year on injured players and every signing now needs to pass a full medical.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't do that with Ben's complex situation, so there was always a risk of losing him."

After undergoing a knee operation at the end of last season, Tozer made his first appearance in a County jersey in the 8-1 victory against Weston-super-Mare last Tuesday.

He slotted in quickly and his new boss Warren Feeney is confident that Tozer will be a County hit.

"Ben came in for a lot of unfair criticism from his previous club in the press, which I don't agree with, but he has kept a dignified silence," said the former Northern Ireland striker.

"He just wants to do his talking on the pitch. He is proven and he is experienced, we saw that at Weston. It was his first 20-25 minutes and he just eased himself into the game and looked so comfortable.

"He is going to be a good asset for us because he is great lad, is professional and I think we have got a good mix in there."

Joss Labadie and Mark Randall have also slotted in promisingly at the heart of midfield in pre-season after signing from Dagenham and Barnet respectively.