GRAHAM Coughlan hoped for a fairly sedate summer when he clocked off for a short close-season break. Instead it turned into a busy few months of dealings.
The Exiles made two deadline day signings to finish with a total of 13 new boys for the 2023/24 campaign.
There was always going to be some churn – that is inevitable for League Two clubs – but County were forced into being active after the losses of the influential quartet of Mickey Demetriou, Priestley Farquharson, Aaron Lewis and Cameron Norman to fourth-tier rivals.
Coughlan has worked closely with assistant Joe Dunne and head of football operations Chris Finn to build his squad for 2023/24 and the early signs are promising.
Here are the deals for the first half of the season…
GOALKEEPER: Jonny Maxted (Northampton)
The experienced stopper was brought in to effectively replace Joe Day, who will spend the season on loan at Woking.
The 29-year-old is back-up for Nick Townsend but took his opportunity to put the Brummie under pressure on Tuesday.
Maxted got the nod for the game against Brentford and was named as the official man of the match, although County’s performance meant he wasn’t exactly forced into heroics.
It was a solid debut to keep Townsend on his toes, even if it would be a surprise if there was a change for League Two when the team to face AFC Wimbledon is announced at 2pm tomorrow.
CENTRAL DEFENDER: Ryan Delaney (Morecambe)
Arguably the most important signing of the summer – an experienced EFL campaigner to strengthen the defence after the loss of Demetriou.
Delaney has made a strong start to life in Newport after being handed the armband by Coughlan.
The Irishman will be a key figure throughout the campaign along with James Clarke and Declan Drysdale.
CENTRAL DEFENDER: Kyle Jameson (Tranmere)
Jameson showed signs of promise but suffered a hip injury at Crewe that is set to sideline him for a few months.
That was the fear when County signed the defender – he has all the attributes to be a hit but hasn’t been durable over recent seasons with Oldham and Tranmere. Jameson needs a bit of luck on his return.
CENTRAL DEFENDER: Matt Baker (Stoke, loan)
The loss of Jameson no doubt influenced a hunt for another centre-back and County made a big move on deadline day by securing the services of Baker for the season.
Like Adam Lewis (see below), the defender is capable of playing at a higher level yet the next stage of his development will take place at Rodney Parade.
The Potters prospect made 18 outings last season and impressed, so should rapidly become a first-team contender.
DEFENDER: Josh Seberry (Shelbourne)
The Irish teenager played for County on trial in pre-season and did enough to earn a deal.
Seberry is seen as one for the future but the depth of the squad has meant some early chances; he has looked raw but shows some real promise.
A centre-back by trade but got the nod at right-back in the Carabao Cup games against Charlton and Brentford, admirably sticking to the task against opponents from higher leagues.
RIGHT-BACK/MIDFIELD: Shane McLoughlin (Morecambe)
Another Irishman and he has settled in nicely at right-back despite clearly being a different type of player to Norman.
McLoughlin has been a threat going forward and is no mug at the other end in one-on-ones.
Has gone about his business with no fuss and with plenty of hard graft, just the way that Coughlan likes it.
RIGHT-BACK: Lewis Payne (Southampton, loan)
The promising prospect has been brought in to provide cover/competition for McLoughlin.
Has yet to really get a chance – and he was overlooked for the more physical Seberry against Brentford – but should come into the fold as he gets to know Coughlan’s workings.
LEFT-BACK: Adam Lewis (Liverpool, loan)
A huge signing for County that gave the support a timely lift.
Lewis is a class act that could certainly perform strongly in League One but opted to return for a second season in Newport.
The Scouser has been impressive so far, defending strongly but also setting up three goals with dangerous balls from the left (although he doesn’t get an official assist for Sutton’s own goal).
LEFT WING-BACK: Matty Bondswell (Newcastle, loan)
A lively attacker who would no doubt have had an even more prominent role were it not for Lewis’ return.
Joined forces with the Liverpool loanee against Brentford for a first start and did well – the ability to play further up the field as well as left-back will be valuable in a small squad.
MIDFIELD: Bryn Morris (Grimsby)
Wasn’t needed by the Mariners and County have profited – the midfielder has made an excellent start to life in south Wales.
Morris is comfortable on the ball – his assist for Harry Charsley at Crewe was wonderful – and is deceptively physical without it.
Clearly will be a key man for County and midfield looks strong if Morris, Charsley, Aaron Wildig, Scot Bennett and James Waite all stay fit.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Nathan Wood (Penybont)
A lovely story with Newport boy Wood returning to the club that released him.
The 26-year-old come home via Undy and Cymru Premier Penybont and so far has made four appearances off the bench.
Lively cameos appear to be the EFL novice’s best chance of action at the moment but will be keen to push for more regular action and certainly can’t be accused of lacking in terms of hunger and attitude.
STRIKER: Seb Palmer-Houlden (Bristol City, loan)
The Robins prospect started the season impressively. Has scored two goals and provided two assists while forming a strong, hard-working partnership with Will Evans.
Palmer-Houlden pulled up in midweek shortly after coming on against Brentford and sadly will be sidelined for three months with a torn hamstring.
STRIKER: Olly Thomas (Bristol City, loan)
The loss of Palmer-Houlden led to the deadline day arrival of another Robins prospect in Thomas, who was recalled from a loan with National League South Yeovil to make the step up to the EFL.
"Olly brings a lot of the same qualities as Seb – the presence, link-up play and pressing – together with his own individual strengths," said Coughlan.
That was a busy summer for County.
— Argus on County (@argusoncounty) September 1, 2023
Even without the injured Palmer-Houlden and Jameson they could field a new signings XI. pic.twitter.com/YGjHWwQpmv
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