BOSS Michael Flynn has already been identifying January targets to strengthen Newport County AFC’s promotion push – and new recruits need to pass his character test.
The Exiles will be top of League Two at Christmas if they beat Oldham Athletic at Rodney Parade tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
County have taken 37 points from a possible 54 to set the pace with strength in depth playing a big part in their fine start to the campaign.
Flynn already has options in most positions but is ready to be active when the January transfer window opens.
“I am looking to add and will speak to the board to see exactly what I can have,” said the manager. “I will have to wheel and deal as well, with one or two maybe leaving.
“That's the way that it is, I've got to do what is best for the club. It's nothing personal and I have got a lot of time for every player here.
“They have all been treated well whether they are involved or not. That will continue unless their attitude drops.
“One or two probably need to move on and play some games, and that will be made clear to them.”
Flynn is keen to strengthen in a bid for League One but also recognises the danger of disturbing the balance that has earned top spot.
“I've been looking to see who we keep and who goes back [from loans], and also targets to bring in who I feel can give us that push to the end of the season,” said Flynn.
"The biggest mistake now would be for me to sign somebody who would be a disruptive influence on the group.
"You don't get them all right, you never know what a player will be like in an environment until they are there, but I will be as careful as I can.
"I might have to have one gamble, but it's pleasing because the group won't let that creep in.
“You want to attract the right player. Players know that when they come here they are going to have to fight to get into the team.
“Whether I bring them in next month or in the summer, they will have to really put the work in and their performance levels need to be high to get into this team.
“When you get players that want to do that it is a really attractive proposition, because they will be seeing it that if they can strengthen the team then there is no reason why we can't keep this going.
“If we do that then everybody gets rewarded.”
Flynn said last week that he was hopeful of attacking midfielder Scott Twine staying at Rodney Parade despite Swindon’s struggles in League One.
The manager reiterated the desire to keep the 21-year-old after an influential first half of the campaign and hopes for good news on that front soon.
“It's not really a position that Swindon need. They've got three or four number 10s already,” he said.
“We want to keep Scott and Scott wants to stay, but it is Swindon's decision and I want to be respectful to them.”
Flynn also revealed that he has already had “positive conversations” with Swansea over on-loan defender Brandon Cooper, who also has a recall option, remaining with the Exiles.
The Exiles signed Twine, Cooper and Bristol City duo Bradley Webb and Saikou Janneh on season-long loans.
On deadline day Flynn brought midfielder Jamie Devitt in from Blackpool and defender Aaron Lewis in from Lincoln, both until January 2, while striker Jamie Proctor arrived from Rotherham until January 17.
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