NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hopes to add to his squad again this week and there could also be a departure before the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Middlesbrough.
So far this month, Flynn has signed defenders Vashon Neufville and Regan Poole on loan from West Ham United and Manchester United respectively.
And Charlie Cooper (Forest Green Rivers), Cameron Pring (Bristol City) and Mark Harris (Cardiff City) have all returned to their parent clubs, with Pring subsequently joining League Two rivals Cheltenham Town.
Flynn has been working hard to strengthen his squad further and he expects at least two more arrivals before the Boro tie this coming Saturday.
And, if there’s another departure, there could even be three players joining this week.
Asked about Tyler Forbes’ omission from the weekend win over Exeter City, the Exiles boss explained: “It was a tactical decision. I’ve spoken to him and he’s fine.
“We’ve got some players coming back now,” he added. “We should have Crofty [club captain Andrew Crofts] back next weekend and I’m looking to sign a couple more.
“We’ll find out if anybody goes out the door. If they do, it might be three more in.
“I’m trying my hardest and I’ve got to keep trying to get the right players in.
“And I’m also thinking about the following season as well. I’m putting plans in place for this football club. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Flynn admits he has endured a frustrating time trying to strengthen his squad over the past few weeks, missing out on several targets.
“I haven’t stopped,” he said. “My phone bill is going to be through the roof and it’s frustrating.
“It’s tough. Players are holding out looking for permanent moves or pay-offs from their clubs, agents get involved, other clubs get involved and we’re bottom of the food chain.
“There’s not many below us in League football who we’re competing with.
“But it goes to show that we’re looking at the right players because other clubs want them.”
Speaking before getting the Poole deal over the line last Friday, the manager added: “I’ve been waiting and waiting all week.
“I went to get another striker in and then he got thrown in because they had injury problems and he got man of the match and now he’s no longer available.
“It’s one of those things, it’s all about timing.”
Flynn is not a big fan of the mid-season scramble for players.
“I don’t like this window at all,” he said. “Something has got to be looked at.
“You have people panicking. Players don’t know whether they want to go or stay.
“It takes them a little bit to get settled, especially if they’re on loan.
“And you get all the shenanigans and game-playing. It’s doing my head in.
“It’s not something I enjoy, and it’s been going on since the beginning of December.
“Plans have been in place for a while but things change and it’s non-stop.
“But it’s my job and I love my job.”
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