NEWPORT County AFC are looking for defensive cover in the final days of the January transfer window to ensure their promotion bid isn’t scuppered by having 'round pegs in square holes'.
The Exiles face Harrogate tomorrow afternoon hunting a first win since December 8 that could lift them back into the top three of League Two.
Manager Michael Flynn is continuing to mix preparations for the 90 minutes with working to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
County have made six signings so far with permanent deals for midfielder Jack Evans (Swansea) and striker Dom Telford (Plymouth), plus loan moves for midfielders Antony Hartigan (AFC Wimbledon) and Luke Gambin (Colchester) and young forwards Jake Scrimshaw (Bournemouth) and Owen Windsor (West Brom).
However, the Exiles are looking to add defenders to their squad after influential centre-back Brandon Cooper was recalled by Swansea, loanees Aaron Lewis and Bradley Webb went back to Lincoln and Bristol City, plus Kyle Howkins was allowed to leave for Solihull Moors.
David Longe-King has settled impressively at the heart of the defence since Cooper’s exit but the coaching team are ensuring they have options.
“Losing ‘Coops’ was not ideal,” admitted assistant Wayne Hatswell. “Dave has done well to step in but when we go with a three [at the back], if one of them gets injured then we are down to the bare bones and starting to put a round peg in a square hole.
“You can get away with it for a couple of games but not long-term, so I know that is an area that he is looking to add to and we’ve got a couple of days.”
Midfielder Scot Bennett can drop into defence while full-back Ashley Baker could be an option on the right of a three.
But with games coming thick and fast, the Exiles need to protect against injury with vulnerability down both flanks.
Ryan Haynes and Liam Shephard have been firm fixtures in the starting line-up with Baker their prime senior cover/competition.
“That Tuesday, Saturday scenario is coming up practically every week for us,” said Hatswell. “It's going to be tough on the players but it's a challenge they do enjoy.
“With the wing-back role, it's tough graft that we ask them to do because of the volume that we expect.
“We've not been able to give them that bit of protection so there have been certain lulls [in performance] that they have had, which is to be expected.
“Giving them a bit of cover has been on our agenda - but they have to be good enough to replace Liam Shephard and Ryan Haynes, who have been very good for us.
“You can have a body but they need to have the quality as well and fit into what we do.”
County travel to Yorkshire this afternoon with Flynn set to combine travel with his recruitment drive.
“Don't underestimate that side of the job. He has got it down to a T, he is very, very good at it and he grafts,” said coach Hatswell.
“Recruitment is unbelievably important and he does it well, that's why is paid the big bucks!”
“It's unpredictable this window,” he continued. “It could be unexpected and a signing could pop up at the last minute.
“It's like a domino effect, some teams may be waiting on other signings before someone goes out the door.
“Some go your way and we have to be ready to take somebody if they are available, but Newport aren’t at the top of the food chain.”
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