Former County boss to stay with Shots (From South Wales Argus)

Former County boss to stay with Shots

8:00am Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Newport County By Michael Pearlman

FRIENDS will remain reunited down in Hampshire this season after ex-Newport County boss Dean Holdsworth rejected the chance of a move to League One, writes Michael Pearlman.

Holdsworth emerged this week as the front-runner to take over at newly promoted Crawley Town following Sean O’Driscoll’s switch to become manager of Nottingham Forest.

Holdsworth joined forces again with former Exiles striker Craig Reid on Monday in a five-figure deal from Stevenage and he has opted to remain with Aldershot who finished just outside the play-off zone in League Two last term rather than move to Crawle.y The Shots also beat now-Premier League side West Ham at Upton Park to clinch a dream Carling Cup clash with Manchester United in his first full season in charge and Holdsworth wants to continue what he’s started.

Holdsworth said: “I have got a lot of ambition but at this moment in time that is making Aldershot Town Football Club a better place to be and work.

“It is important that people see my loyalty. It is strong and I am looking forward to the coming season. I will try to fulfil an ambition of getting the team into the play-offs.”

Shots chairman Kris Machala said: “Dean is highly regarded within the game and could have taken the opportunity to move.

“He received an overwhelming offer that would have been beneficial to him both on a personal and professional basis.

“I am delighted Dean has chosen to remain as manager of Aldershot Town Football Club and I have to place on record my sincere appreciation to an individual who has proved his loyalty and integrity.”

Holdsworth did hold talks with Crawley’s director of football Steve Coppell but decided to remain in Hampshire.

Meanwhile, former County midfielder Danny Rose can look forward to the arrival of a new teammate, one who just so happens to be an England international and arguably the Premier League’s most controversial character.

Former Man United man Rose, whose goals were crucial in the Exiles’ Conference survival last term, will be joined at Fleetwood Town’s pre-season training camp by Joey Barton.

The 29-year-old was sent off on the last day of last season at Manchester City and has been banned for the first 12 games of the new campaign.

“Looking forward to training with Fleetwood for the week,” he tweeted. “Will get a much needed sweat on. Still have three years left at QPR. Exciting times for the club, which I intended to be a part of. Need to get some fitness in the meantime.

“Fleetwood are a young club going places. Five promotions already in the last few years. If I help some of their young players, great. Training with them will certainly help me with my short-term fitness and my plan on being as fit as possible during my 12-game ban.”