Hall up for the fight

10:52am Monday 21st July 2008

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WORLD Cup star Paul Hall believes Dean Holdsworth can make Newport County as tough to beat as his old Wimbledon team of the early 1990s.

Hall, pictured, was part of the Jamaican ‘Reggae Boyz’ team at the 1998 World Cup and signed for the Exiles at the weekend before making his debut as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw at Leamington.

And in his short time with the squad the ex-Portsmouth and Coventry City striker, 36, has been very impressed with what he has seen.

“My main reason for joining was because of Dean,” said Hall.

“We played together at Rushden & Diamonds a few years back and we have remained friendly since then.

“I don’t know a lot about the Blue Square South but Dean invited me over to train with the squad and he knows his business so I’m delighted to make the move.”

Hall signs from Walsall, having had a brief stint on loan at Wrexham last season and he is convinced that County can join the North Wales side in the Blue Square Premier in 2009.

“There are a lot of young lads here but they are a good bunch and there is a strong set-up,” he added.

“Dean has had to move a lot of people out and brought lots of guys in this summer but the quality is there.

“The mentality, physicality and ambition in the squad reminds me of when Dean played at Wimbledon, hopefully we can be just as hard to beat as that team was.

“Dean wants the squad to be together and have a good rapport and that is clear from one training session.

“There is a togetherness and heart that has really impressed me.”

A decade on from his great adventure at the World Cup in France when he played against Croatia, Argentina and in the win over Japan, Nottingham-born Hall insists that he still has the fire in his belly to help a young County side flourish.

“I played at the World Cup and that was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. I played in the Premiership with Coventry and won League Two with Rushden, but that is all in the past,” he said.

“They are all great memories for me but Newport County is my focus now.

“Newport is now the most important thing in my life. I didn’t just come here for the sake of it.

“I can still contribute, I can still run around and I’ll get goals.”

The 36-year-old played wide on the right at Leamington on Saturday, supporting lone striker Phil Walsh in a 4-3-2-1 formation after coming on as a half-time substitute for trialist Leon Fisher.

Although more often played as a striker, it’s a role he has played before and Hall emphasised his willingness to play wherever Holdsworth needs him.

“I can play up front or on the right, I’m very versatile so that will give Dean more options,” he said.

“I’m happy to play whatever role Dean wants me to.

“It’s up to players like myself and Kevin Cooper, the more experienced guys, to help the youngsters and I’m sure we’ll have a good season.”

Holdsworth was delighted to have captured the signature of his former team-mate.

“I’m very pleased that Paul has agreed to join us and I was encouraged by his contribution on Saturday,” he said.

“He played out on the right but that was just so I could accommodate everyone and I’m still exploring which formation works best for us.

“It doesn’t mean he’ll play there all season.

“He’s an experienced head and someone who has played at the highest level. I’m sure he’ll fit in well.”