Holdsworth: The move was right

A: In my progression as a manager it's important to make big moves at the right time and this move was right for me in every sense.

Q: Would things have been different if Redbridge had been promoted, rather than lost out in the Ryman North playoff final?

A: No I don't think so. My ambitions were noted from when I went to Redbridge, they were under no illusion that I would be staying around for a long time at the club and they wished me well.

From my point of view, Newport have the ambitions that match my own. After missing out on the playoffs last season there is a feeling that they want change and I will give them that. I can't wait to impose my ideas on the club.

Q: This interview should be about looking forward rather than back, but what are your feelings regarding (ex-manager) Peter Beadle, who took you to County as a player?

A: I think Peter Beadle would be the first to acknowledge that life and football goes on. If it wasn't Dean Holdsworth coming here it would be someone else, I think Pete knows that and I have rung him to wish him well. Since then things have happened between the club and me but I like Peter and respect him. It's just one of those things in football.

Q: You have had plenty going on away from football since hanging up your boots (featuring on two reality TV shows), why have you decided to come back to the game as a full-time manager?

A: Football is my life and now is the right time because the Newport job became available. I have been in the game for 23 years since starting out as a professional and I absolutely love the game.

Q: What can the Newport County fans expect from a Dean Holdsworth-run football club?

A: I think the fans can expect me to bring good organisational skills and make this a very fit football team. I have a lot of belief in the sports science side of the game, things like nutrition, hydration, they are key factors in football.

I want and expect a professional approach from the players, they'll be expected to use heart monitors, watch their diets, and monitor their weight training, everything the professional clubs do.

Q: Is that an approach you've taken from managers you've worked under such as Sam Allardyce and Phil Brown?

A: Absolutely yes. Sam and Phil both have thought processes aspiring to the likes of Manchester United and what they do, but there is no reason why we can't do that.

I will be setting up a code of conduct that I expect the players to adhere to. Every player who is here will be part of that.

Sam was a big influence on me certainly.

Q: It's difficult to gauge what style your side will play with. You were a flamboyant sort of a player, but you often played for clubs like Wimbledon and Bolton who had a reputation for route one football?

A: I think the circumstances often determine how you play the game. It's down to the players and adapting to play the surroundings, such as the playing surface and the other team.

To be honest the thing I like the most is a clean sheet. I build my teams around the defence, defending is a collective responsibility. Last year at Redbridge we had 24 clean sheets and every player has to work incredibly hard.

Last year we had 27 wins and we were almost bored of winning, it became a habit. That's what I want for Newport. If we go ahead in the game, we win that game. That is the mentality I want.

Q: You are used to the Conference South, some people might not know but you had a couple of spells with Havant and will know the league fairly well?

A: I've got experience with the league and of course I know some of the players already at Newport. Over the next six weeks a key task for me is to identify the players who can take this club forward.

Q: What are the first steps for you with the current group of players?

A: I have to sit down and talk with them, there are players who will be leaving and there will be players coming in from elsewhere.

I want to develop the youth side of the club, they will get a chance, and I want them training with the first team, not being elsewhere and unseen.

We will work with Glyn Jones on that, I saw a 19-year-old academy player score two playoff goals for Leeds, why can't that be Newport?

There is no age restriction, if you're good enough you'll be in the team.

Q: Dean, in the long-term you could be the manager who oversees the transition between the club being part-time and going full-time. Does that impact you in the short term?

A: In the short term there won't be a huge difference in what you see, but what will be visible is younger homegrown players coming into the squad, if they're good enough.

If they're not good enough it is down to Glyn Jones and myself to look at why that is. The younger guys will have a good training ethic and that will reflect throughout the club.

Q: When you talk to the players, how will you treat those who are already talking to other clubs?

A: Players have got to want to come and train and come and play for the football club and me. If they have any grey area, they're better off leaving.

The club is going to change on the playing side and during pre-season they'll see what I am trying to do.

Q: Do you have a time frame for assembling your squad for next season?

A: Ideally I want everything done by the start of pre-season which is June 26.

If a player is going to come in he must be better than what we already have. We don't need 11 players, we must have a squad of players so that the boys trust me having players on the bench who can make a difference.

Q: In recent years County have had some players from the London area, such as Gary Fiskin and Jamie Moralee. In your view how far away is too far away in terms of signing players?

A: France! I think there is a do-ability in terms of training, it comes down to commitment. I've had it before at Havant and when I signed for Newport and lived in London. There is sometimes a way of working players during the week without travelling.

It's about managing players; all I am worried about is making sure we're good enough on a match day. That is for me to decide, some players need caring for and some need a kick up the backside.

Q: You are based in Worcester, not an issue travelling wise, but does that mean you'll want an assistant based in South Wales, or at least with strong local knowledge?

A: That is something I have been addressing with the board, just before I spoke to you. There is a case for having someone local who knows the players and the area, but that person will be grilled by me to make sure he wants the same things I do for this football club.

Trust and communication is massive with the assistant, whoever it may be. You must stand together and sing from the same hymn sheet.

Q: Any interesting calls from people in the game since news broke of your appointment Dean?

A: Not so much on the player side, I already know a lot of the players I want to bring in and who I think will be interested in working with me.

But I've had a few calls from other managers and chairmen, it's been great, I've had a terrific response.

Q: Early days, but it'll be a very strong league next year, who do you see as the main challengers out to stop Newport getting promoted?

A: It's the strongest Conference South for some time, there aren't always the budgets that there will be this season.

Eastleigh and Havant and Waterlooville, Bromley, Braintree, a lot of clubs will fancy their chances, including Wimbledon.

Q: I was going to move onto Wimbledon, it's amazing how football works isn't it? Wimbledon in the Conference South and you joining Newport!

A: It's terrific for Wimbledon, I am so pleased for AFC, and I can't wait to have a clash between the two football clubs. It will be a friendly rivalry and a great game for me personally as someone who loved their time with the club.

Q: County's academy is excellent in terms of results, but poor with getting players to the next level. How will you assist in helping the academy players make the jump to first team football?

A: By bringing them into training and getting them involved, helping them to go from being boys to men.

Then they'll be tested properly.

Q: Have you agreed a budget for next season?

A: Yes. The budget was quite high last year which was well known. This year it will be managed and hopefully at Christmas we can improve it. It's something I have to address; it's part of being a manager. It will have a bearing on who we bring in.

Q: Some of the current players consider you to be a friend from your time here as a player. How does that impact you?

A: I can't let any friendship get in the way of the job I have to do. I will still be friends with them in the bar, but I am the manager and I have a job to do for Newport County.

Q: I would describe Newport County fans as often being hard to please. What would be your message to the supporters?

A: We have a great chance, so give me a great chance, and give me time and support.

It'll be a little bit of a transitional time with new players coming in, but I will work my socks off, no matter what, to improve this club and this team.

I would also say I can't wait to see the supporters, I will never please everyone but not many managers do. But I will work my socks off to get things right.