Holdsworth on the lookout as Deering departs (From South Wales Argus)

Holdsworth on the lookout as Deering departs

10:40am Tuesday 6th October 2009 in Newport County By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT County may be top of the Blue Square South and unbeaten in 19 league games after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bath City, but manager Dean Holdsworth is not resting on his laurels.

Far from cracking open his manager of the month champagne and reflecting on a job well done, the Exiles boss was back to work yesterday and it was another busy day at the office.

As well as assessing the walking wounded from Saturday, Holdsworth also waved goodbye to winger Sam Deering who has returned to Oxford United after a month-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old found it hard to break into the side, playing only 129 minutes of football. His only start came in the disappointing 1-1 home draw with basement boys Weymouth.

“Sam has gone back to Oxford, which is a shame in many ways,” said Holdsworth.

“We would have liked to have kept him but he wasn’t getting as many minutes as he would have liked and it was about keeping him happy.

“Unfortunately the decision was made for him to go back and we’ll move on and look at other targets.

“I’ve made a few inquiries but I won’t rush into anything.

“It’s not just about talent on the field. The players I sign have to have the right personalities to realise they won’t play every game.

“They have to buy into what we’re trying to do here at Newport and the squad we’re putting together. They have to want to come here for the right reasons.”

Holdsworth will begin preparations for Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Paulton Rovers in tonight’s training session.

Centre-back Gary Warren is unlikely to have recovered from a groin strain that has kept him out of the past three games and will not be risked for Saturday’s match.

Left back Martyn Giles begins a three-match suspension for his red card at Clevedon in the previous round.

Fellow defender Paul Cochlin should be fine after taking a heavy knock to the face against Bath, but youngster Gary Colborne will be on stand-by.

Match-winner Charlie Henry is a doubt after hobbling off with a dead leg and may be rested this weekend with veteran winger Kevin Cooper likely to play some part.