The verdict on Newport County's 2022 summer transfer window

The Exiles have 13 senior players on the books for next season and are waiting for responses from six more after offering fresh terms.

Coughlan, assistant manager Joe Dunne and head of football operations Chris Finn will once again look for success in the loan market after success in January while the boss has already been in talks with targets for permanent arrivals.

However, this summer is unlikely to be quite as busy as 2022 when then boss James Rowberry and sporting director Darren Kelly brought in six permanent signings and five loanees.

Here is the verdict on the success of that recruitment drive…

James Rowberry and the County squad at the pre-season game with Cardiff

PERMANENT

(Players listed in order of arrival)

OFFRANDE ZANZALA (Forward)

Arrived from Barrow to provide some dynamism up front and started the season impressively only to then suffer a serious hamstring injury after three games.

Was rushed back for a cameo under caretaker boss Darren Kelly and suffered a relapse but returned with a bang to score the December winner at Crewe, going on to also score against Wimbledon and Crawley.

Season was ended after just 17 games in February and ruptured knee ligaments mean he is out until winter.

Verdict: Has shown flashes but sadly a miss due to injury misfortune.

SAM BOWEN (Midfield)

Arrived from Cardiff with great expectations after featuring in the Championship for the Bluebirds.

Alas, it was a tough first campaign in Newport with off-field matters no doubt (and understandably) playing a part after his father Jason, formerly of County, Cardiff and Swansea, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Sam made just 14 appearances and was frequently an unused sub under Coughlan.

Verdict: Another miss and will hope to step up next season.

DECLAN DRYSDALE (Defence)

The central defender arrived from Coventry but made an iffy start with a red card at Bradford in August after being caught on the ball.

The 23-year-old seemed to flourish thanks to getting back to basics under Coughlan but then suffered a knee injury in January.

Returned in the run-in only to suffer a hamstring strain, ending with 29 outings and showing signs of promise. Will be a key man next season.

Verdict: Hit despite his campaign being ended early.

IMPRESSIVE: Will Evans had a strong first season with County

WILL EVANS (Left-back/forward)

Was given a chance after shining in the Cymru Premier and grasped it, racking up an impressive 52 appearances in his first season as a pro.

Started the campaign at left wing-back to combat Sutton’s physicality and ended it there due to injuries.

Played forward in between and his versatility will continue to be useful next season, when hard-working Evans will look to keep developing and add a bit more quality in the final third.

Verdict: Resounding hit.

OMAR BOGLE (Striker)

Arrived from Hartlepool with the big task of filling the void left by golden boot winner Dom Telford.

Ended with an impressive tally in all competitions of 19, although the striker felt he should have passed the 30 milestone.

Led the line impressively throughout the season, despite getting little help from the officials, and finished strongly to turn winter jeers into cheers.

County need more of the same from Bogle and Coughlan must provide more threats alongside the talisman.

Verdict: Hit – best signing of last summer.

LIVELY: Aaron Wildig finished the season strongly with County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

AARON WILDIG (Midfield)

Dropped down from Morecambe to be closer to his family in Hereford but endured a frustrating season due to injuries.

Made 32 appearances but just 17 of them were as a starter and it was only towards the end of the campaign that his quality was consistently showing, with his wonderful strike at Doncaster winning County's goal of the season.

The run-in shows that Wildig is a quality recruit and he can be key alongside January arrival Harry Charsley with both needing a big pre-season.

Verdict: Arguably a miss due to niggles but the way he finished turned that into a hit (just).

LOANS

CHANKA ZIMBA (Striker)

Was brought in from Cardiff, where Rowberry worked with the striker.

Just four of his 20 appearances were as a starter, none of them in the league, and he scored against Luton in the Carabao Cup and Exeter in the EFL Trophy.

Was a fringe figure under Coughlan and his season-long loan was cut short in December.

Verdict: Miss.

ADAM LEWIS (Left-back)

Made a slow start after arriving from Liverpool, showing flashes of attacking talent to go with the odd defensive howler, but established himself as an important figure.

Sadly, injury ended his season early in February after 28 appearances and County didn’t look as balanced without the left-pegger.

Verdict: Hit.

PROSPECT: Nathan Moriah-Welsh showed his class in Newport (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

NATHAN MORIAH-WELSH (Midfield)

The Bournemouth prospect was sent out for a first proper taste of senior football and made a huge impression.

Racked up 46 appearances and provided energy and snap for both Rowberry and Coughlan.

The 21-year-old doesn’t quite look ready to star like Finn Azaz or Ollie Cooper but learned plenty in Newport that should serve him well when taking the next step.

Verdict: Big hit.

THIERRY NEVERS (WINGER)

Looked sharp after signing on loan from West Ham in late August, doing well on debut against Tranmere and scoring at Harrogate when forming a good partnership with Bogle.

Was arguably a victim of County’s plight near the basement and his loan was cut short in December before he moved to promotion-chasing Bradford, where he also provided the odd cameo rather than establishing himself as a starter.

Verdict: Miss.

HAYDEN LINDLEY (Midfield)

Was a late signing by Rowberry, who had been frustrated in his bid to sign a number 10 to replace Azaz/Cooper.

The Aston Villa prospect, a deep-lying midfielder, made just five appearances and it was agreed to end the loan early.

Was reported last month that the 20-year-old was on trial at Cheltenham to try and earn a deal with the League One club.

Verdict: Miss