SAM Foley admits it would have been a “dream” if he had secured a return to Newport County AFC this summer, but the reality is that he will be playing his football elsewhere this season.

Foley made more than 150 appearances for the Exiles between 2009 and 2012 and was a key part of the 2010 Conference South title-winning team.

He left for Yeovil Town seven years ago and helped them win promotion to the Championship in 2013 before moving on to Port Vale and Northampton Town.

The 32-year-old midfielder was released by the Cobblers in May and he’s on the hunt for a new club this summer.

Foley played just over an hour as a trialist for County in last week’s win at Weston-super-Mare, but manager Michael Flynn revealed over the weekend that he won’t be returning to the club.

“I’ve spoken to Sam,” said Flynn. “He’s had a very good offer from a Scottish Premier League club and I just wasn’t in the position to offer him [anything to match that].

“We didn’t even discuss terms. I wanted to have a look at him.

“He’s a great lad and somebody I’ve got a lot of time for but I think the deal that he’ll get in Scotland will blow anything we could have offered out of the water because we’re right at the top of our budget.”

South Wales Argus:

Foley took to Twitter to respond to those comments, writing: “I’m quite proud to say I’ve never made a decision based on money in [my] whole career.

“The next chapter will be somewhere that will improve me as a player and a person and perhaps I’ll go to a club that will show a desire to want me.

“I’ve got some amazing memories from my time at Newport and it was always a dream to come back but sadly it wasn’t to be. [I'm] sure they will have another great season, like last.”

Foley has also been linked with moves to Stevenage, Burton Albion, Lincoln City and Hereford this summer.

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