NEWPORT County AFC boss Graham Coughlan is confident of avoiding another ‘devastating’ summer exodus thanks to the smooth operation of new owner Huw Jenkins.

The Exiles, who are 14th in League Two and well clear of the relegation scrap, have already started contract talks with several of their leading figures ahead of next season.

Coughlan is keen to keep the core of the squad and avoid a repeat of last summer when captain Mickey Demetriou, Cam Norman, Aaron Lewis and Priestley Farquharson all moved to fourth-tier rivals.

The likes of Scot Bennett, Harry Charsley, Aaron Wildig, James Waite, Omar Bogle are understood to be approaching the end of their Exiles deals while loanees Adam Lewis and Matt Baker will be out of contract at their parent clubs.

Top scorer Will Evans is in talks over fresh terms but there is already an option on his current deal for 2024/25 that can be triggered by both player and club.

South Wales Argus: OWNER: County chairman Huw JenkinsOWNER: County chairman Huw Jenkins (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The manager is helped by County having a more stable financial situation after Jenkins’ takeover, and he can also tap into the knowledge of the chairman who was heavily involved in squad-building at Swansea.

“I've sat down with a number of the lads already, so I am active and trying to nail a couple down early to give me fewer headaches going into the summer,” said Coughlan.

“I am hopeful we won't have that again, it could be a one-off and down to circumstances. Timing is everything in football.

“I am confident that won't repeat itself and the process is a lot smoother; there is a lot of clarity at the club now.

“With Huw coming in, with his leadership, expertise, knowledge and experience, I am sure that will be prevented and we won't see that again.

“It wasn't nice at the time and was devastating as a group but we have moved on and grown. With the new owner, the process will be a lot better.”

Coughlan added just one player in January, striker Luke Jephcott on a permanent deal, after seeing a number of targets opt for clubs higher up the Football League.

South Wales Argus: SIGNING: Striker Luke Jephcott joined County in JanuarySIGNING: Striker Luke Jephcott joined County in January (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The boss has already started the process of looking to bolster his squad for 2024/25.

“In this division you have to be on the front foot with recruitment, which is massive,” said Coughlan.

“I've been really pleased with what we have been getting out of the lads. If we can get one or two more players to add to what we have got we would be a stronger outfit, and might be taken a little bit more seriously by other teams than we are at this moment in time.”