GRAHAM Coughlan's patience in a frustrating January transfer window looks to have paid off after Newport County AFC finished their business with a pair of deadline day signings.
The Exiles could feature four debutants in their matchday squad when they return to action against Swindon Town in League Two at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 12.45pm).
Midfielder Harry Charsley was signed on a permanent deal from Port Vale in mid-January with postponements meaning he is yet to make his bow.
He was followed through the door by a trio of promising prospects on loans until the end of the campaign.
Stoke City’s Wales Under-21s defender Matt Baker was signed to provide cover at the back because of injury concerns.
The final business was sealed on Tuesday with highly-rated Manchester United striker Charlie McNeill’s arrival announced in the morning before fellow forward Calum Kavanagh was signed from Middlesbrough in the evening.
Out have gone stalwarts Matty Dolan and Robbie Willmott on loan to Hartlepool and Walsall respectively while youngsters Jack Karadogan and Harrison Bright have been sent for a taste of men’s football in the Cymru Premier with Pontypridd.
Striker Chanka Zimba (Cardiff), forward Thierry Nevers (West Ham) and midfielder Hayden Lindley (Aston Villa) returned to their parent clubs at the start of the month.
Here is some reaction to County’s January window…
Hopefully Charsley and McNeil are straight in the starting XI for Saturday. Can’t wait to be back over Rodney Parade now
— Sean Mills (@SeanMills6) January 31, 2023
I am really pleased with Charsley, experienced and addressing a problem area. McNeill comes with a big reputation, but mens football is different. A bit of a gamble on 3 x 19 year olds to make instant impacts.
— Carl Williams (@CarlJWilliams88) January 31, 2023
I would have liked some more experience. Are we stronger than pre Jan?
It looks promising, certainly Charsley has done it at this level and the young lads seem decent. We will only know how good the window has been after the Crewe game in May, if there are at least two teams below us then it yes it has.
— Hwyligan 🏴 (@_boomstronk) February 1, 2023
Would have liked a ball winning midfielder as Charsley looks a more attacking option.
— Gareth Swattridge (@Gareths0) January 31, 2023
Only concern is lack of experience in the loanees. If they hit the ground running then great, but league 2 defenders will want to kick lumps out of them like they've never experienced before
Needs one of the 2 loans strikers to really click. Hopefully McNeill lives up to the hype.
— Diesel (@diesel_y2j) January 31, 2023
I'm not convinced about us signing 3 x 19 year olds. I really don't think we have the league position to be developing other teams players. If you look at other clubs in our league and the players they have picked up. I guess this is reality and it's all we can afford.
— Dave Morgan (@davidmorgan359) February 1, 2023
Not enough experience L brought in.
— Newport Gifts (@NewportGifts) February 1, 2023
Surely the only sensible answer to this is “We’ll tell you in May”?
— 1912 Exiles: Newport County Podcast (@1912Exiles) February 1, 2023
Midfield is an odd one. With Bennett NMW Charsley Wildig there is quality there, but the worry is none of them have enough of a Labadie-type physical presence
— Sean Mills (@SeanMills6) February 1, 2023
It looks promising, certainly Charsley has done it at this level and the young lads seem decent. We will only know how good the window has been after the Crewe game in May, if there are at least two teams below us then it yes it has.
— Hwyligan 🏴 (@_boomstronk) February 1, 2023
Would rate it 7 / 10
— Mark Vickery (@MarkVickery4) February 1, 2023
Gillingham fans will probably rank theirs as 11/10 considering the situation they were in
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