NEWPORT County AFC have aimed for quality rather than quantity with a targeted approach to loanees in the coming season, according to manager James Rowberry.

The Exiles have helped in the development of a number of talented prospects in recent seasons with Ben White, Scott Twine, Brandon Cooper, Finn Azaz and Ollie Cooper among those who have thrived at Rodney Parade.

Rowberry said at the end of last season that their style of play and list of successes had let to them being approached by Premier League and Championship sides about taking bright prospects on.

However, County have so far only brought in Liverpool left-back Adam Lewis and Cardiff City striker Chanka Zimba for the campaign.

They are set to add an attacking midfielder on loan from a Premier League side before the window shuts but that is likely to be it until January.

South Wales Argus: Adam Lewis and Chanka Zimba have arrived at Rodney Parade on loan this summer. Pictures: Newport County AFC.Adam Lewis and Chanka Zimba have arrived at Rodney Parade on loan this summer. Pictures: Newport County AFC.

County have instead focused on permanent signings, a decision that gives them certainty for the whole season and the possibility of making money from a sale.

They have signed experienced midfielder Aaron Wildig and striker Omar Bogle plus defender Declan Drysdale, midfielder Sam Bowen and forwards Will Evans and Offrande Zanzale, all players with their best years ahead of them.

“We wanted to invest in the future,” said Rowberry. “Of the lads we have signed it is only ‘Oz’ (Zanzala) who hasn’t signed for two years, he is one year with an option.

“I was really keen on that because I didn’t want to be in a position at the end of the season where I need 20 players.

“We have worked hard on that and there will be certain points of the year when we will look at offering other contracts for the next season.

“This is what has suited us and I didn’t want to have seven loans because then I don’t think that I am doing my job properly.

“I need to make sure we are building for the club and trying to sign players who can be an investment.

“Michael Flynn and Wayne Hatswell did an unbelievable job with their cup runs [to provide a financial boost]; hopefully we can have those but also produce players for the first team or get investment for them.”

Rowberry stressed that it’s not just those at the start of their careers that are being challenged to improve.

“Over the summer we worked hard to give every player their own individual plan, which not all clubs will be doing at this level,” said the manager.

“We have done that for every player with targets to work towards, on and off the pitch. It’s not just about the here and now, we want them to work towards their future.

“If we develop the individual then we will develop the team, so me and the coaches Jarred [Harvey], Jim [Hollman] and Carl [Serrant] have been working with groups of players to put their plans in place.”