NEWPORT County manager Dean Holdsworth showed off his new-look defence at Spytty Park yesterday.

The former Redbridge boss has gone back to his old club to sign left-back David Collins, centre-back Nick Skelton and right-back Kevin Stephens as well as adding Carmarthen left-back Paul Keddle.

Along with Ian Hillier, also at Newport Stadium yesterday to sign a new deal, the quartet look set to form the basis of Holdsworth's defensive unit during his first season in charge.

"I'm very pleased that all four have agreed to join the club," said Holdsworth. "They're all young and hungry and have a desire to improve and take this club forward."

Keddle, 24, had a spell on loan at Bath City last year alongside fellow new-boys Adie Harris and Phil Walsh, and was impressed with the Exiles.

"Newport is an ambitious club that has been at this level for too long now," he said. "Hopefully with the players coming in we can add to the quality already here and get promotion this season."

Set-piece specialist Collins, 25, scored 13 goals in his two seasons at Redbridge and can play at left-back or left-midfield and he was eager to team-up with Holdsworth once again.

"I'm delighted to be here," he said. "Dean is a fantastic boss. I dropped down a level from Hornchurch purely to play under him at Redbridge and he's very professional. He's told me all about the massive fan-base here and I just can't wait to put that Newport County shirt on."

Those sentiments were echoed by Skelton, 21, and 23-year-old Stephens, a former Leyton Orient trainee.

"The set-up here is unbelievable," said Skelton. "I really enjoyed working with the manager last year and I jumped at the chance to follow him here."

"Dean is a very calm manager and he treats his players like adults," said Stephens. "I want to play in the league again and I believe I can do that at Newport with Dean, that's the aim."

Heading for the exit door at Spytty Park are striker Jermaine Clarke and central defender Paul Cochlin.

"Bringing in the new players has obviously affected my budget and it will limit the chances for Jermaine and Paul," explained Holdsworth."It was my decision and hopefully it will give them time to find another club," he added.

Releasing Cochlin leaves Holdsworth with only two recognised central defenders after Lee Jarman's exit and Mark Dodds' departure.

The Argus understands that a fee has been agreed for another Conference South centre-back and Holdsworth confirmed more signings are on the way.

The former Wimbledon star also revealed that fans-favourite Nathan Davies is close to agreeing a deal and that negotiations are on-going with Glyn Thompson, Lee Fowler, Jason Bowen and Charlie Griffin.