NEWPORT County AFC were resigned to losing Swindon talent Scott Twine as they headed into January but a further hammer blow came when fellow loan star Brandon Cooper was recalled by Swansea City.
The Exiles were setting the pace in League Two but were suddenly deprived of two key men with the ability to play at a higher level.
Manager Michael Flynn faced a vital month in the push for promotion and he finished with eight new recruits after declaring it “chaotic” and the “most frustrating” that he has experienced.
Only Priestley Farquharson can be deemed to be a hit so far and the boss admits that the signings are yet to produce the goods.
“January is always a tough window. It's hard for them to get any momentum,” said Flynn.
“When you get players in January, and I have said this before, then nine times out of 10 they need to get up to speed and that's where they are at.”
Some of the signings look like they would have been shrewd on the autumn grass but are yet to show the edge that is now needed at Rodney Parade and on the road.
The lowdown on the Exiles’ arrivals who need to find their form…
NICKY MAYNARD
Arrived just before the deadline on loan from Mansfield and it was hoped the veteran striker would provide a cutting edge.
Started impressively with the winner against Grimsby, a poacher’s finish inside the box, but has failed to fire since.
Has been given six starts but hasn’t hit his straps. Was played in twice at Tranmere but didn’t work the goalkeeper after the defence caught up.
Maynard has the track record but County need him to find form before the season drifts off.
CURRENT CALL: Miss.
DOM TELFORD
The diminutive forward signed on an 18-month deal from Plymouth.
Nodded home the late leveller against Exeter and should have added to his tally against Forest Green and Walsall.
Nonetheless, a lively player who could add some much-needed attacking spark and who isn’t just here for the run-in.
CURRENT CALL: Hit (on what he will bring long-term).
JAKE SCRIMSHAW
The Bournemouth prospect has made 10 appearances and scored two goals since effectively arriving as a replacement for the injured Bristol City prospect Saikou Janneh.
Full of running down the channels, the 20-year-old looks more suited to adding energy off the bench rather than being a starter.
CURRENT CALL: Miss.
ANTHONY HARTIGAN
A player with lots of League One experience despite being just 21 but County games have passed the Wimbledon midfielder by.
Hasn’t really made a contribution of note, although the Rodney Parade pitch is certainly not making the most of his attributes.
CURRENT CALL: Miss.
PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON
Has been a massive hit since signing from Connah’s Quay Nomads on a contract through to 2023.
A centre-back with huge potential who has looked comfortable in the EFL in both a three and four. The 23-year-old has exceeded expectations, although he doesn’t quite match Cooper’s comfort in possession.
Has made six starts and experiences from the run-in will do him the power of good for next season, regardless of whether the promotion challenge can be revived.
CURRENT CALL: Huge hit.
LUKE GAMBIN
A puzzling one. The winger looked to be a shrewd recruit when he created the opener and then scored a cracker in the loss at Oldham.
Gambin needed to work to full fitness but possessed a bit of much-needed creativity and attacking threat after the loss of Twine.
However, the 27-year-old has been a fringe figure of late, perhaps a victim of the arrivals of Telford and Maynard.
Gambin came on after 87 minutes against Stevenage and 86 against Tranmere. He won’t feature against his parent club Colchester on Saturday and international duty with Malta is looming.
His absence looks odd given County’s struggles in the final third, especially on better surfaces away from Newport.
CURRENT CALL: Miss but hit in flashes.
AARON LEWIS
A player who could be pushing for more action given the recent showings by the defence.
Made just one appearance as a loanee in the first half of the campaign but returned after being released by Lincoln.
A versatile full-back, Lewis will hope for a shot down the left flank if Ryan Haynes can’t recapture his early-season form.
CURRENT CALL: Miss but must push for a chance.
JACK EVANS
Arrived from Swansea but has made just one appearance, coming off the bench against Southend when the County midfield was outmuscled.
The 22-year-old was highly-regarded by the Championship side but is on the fringes in Newport.
CURRENT CALL: Miss (through lack of action).
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