NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh has made sweeping changes at Spytty Park since succeeding Anthony Hudson, but he today reveals that he knew from day one he had inherited a talisman.

The Exiles manager drafted in half a dozen new faces during the January transfer window, giving the Exiles more pace and potency. The results have been clear with County inching towards Conference safety and now just three games from a Wembley final following Tuesday’s thumping 4-0 win over Carshalton Athletic.

The likes of Adam Chapman, Andy Sandell, Romone Rose and Lee Minshull have all impressed since Edinburgh captured their signatures but it is a far more familiar face who is County’s key component according to the manager. “I think this club has its talisman, for me that player is Sam Foley who has come of age for us,” he explained. “I think Sam would be the first to admit that when Danny (Rose) was here and before that, when Reidy (Craig Reid) was here he may have been in the shadows.

“But I think since he’s played in central midfield he has been a revelation and he deserves credit for the way he has consistently performed. On Tuesday I moved him up front, out of his position and once again he played really well and grabbed a goal (scoring the first).

“I can’t speak highly enough of him and how important he is to us. His form is excellent and I can’t speak highly enough of him. He is a fantastic player with a great attitude and I love working with him, he is a joy to work with.”

Edinburgh saw plenty of County in their debut season in the Conference while managing Rushden, a season which saw an injury hit Foley disappoint.

However, from day one Edinburgh expected big things from a player who is seemingly just as potent whether playing in midfield or attack.

“I had seen him plenty of times and I knew he could be a player, he just hadn’t delivered at a consistent level. As soon as I got the job he was a player I was excited and pleased to be working with. Maybe at times people haven’t believed in him but for me he is a fantastic ball player, he has great pace and a brilliant work rate and I believe that he is the focal point of the team.”

Edinburgh was more than satisfied with the performance of his charges on Tuesday after they dominated throughout, scored four goals and were denied several times by excellent goalkeeping or the woodwork. However, he is determined there will be no talk of the cup run.

“We have a huge, huge game at Stockport on Saturday and we won’t be talking about the cup and of course any mention of Wembley is banned as well, our focus has to be on the next game,” he said.

“We’ve had four games without defeat, the best run since I joined and now the FA Trophy is pushed aside from our thoughts. We are confident, rightly so and as competition for places becomes more and more fierce it is a much better position for me and my staff.

“It’s a massive game on Saturday but I feel the confidence we get from winning cup games, any game, stands us in good stead for the battle in the league.”