Michael Flynn has made a strong start to Newport County’s player recruitment for 2017-18.
He has confirmed seven signings, while former Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence and Wayne Hatswell will continue to be working alongside the County team boss.
Tom Owen-Evans, goalkeeper Joe Day, Mark O’Brien, Marlon Jackson, David Pipe, Robbie Wilmott and Mickey Demetriou have all signed new contracts as Newport plan to build on their survival in League Two.
Defender O’Brien scored the winning goal which ensured County climbed out of relegation danger in their final fixture and Flynn is planning for a big season ahead.
The 20-year-old Owen-Evans has signed a two year deal and Flynn says: “Tom came of age over the course of last season and if he continues to work hard, he will have an extremely good future.”
Day and O’Brien have also agreed two-year deals, while striker Jackson has committed to another year at Rodney Parade.
Pipe was on loan at Newport last season and has now signed a contract, while Willmott, who was in their 2013 promotion team, is back on a two-year contract and a successful 2016-17 playing for Chelmsford City.
Defender Demetriou, among Newport’s during their escape from relegation, scored four goals in the last seven matches of the season and has agreed to stay for another two seasons.
“Mickey has a great left foot and is now entering a stage in his career where his experience and quality is going to be vital for us,” says Flynn.
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and Ben Tozer triggered one year extensions to their contracts and are staying at Newport, while Mark Randall has been transfer-listed.
Striker Lennell John-Lewis, who missed most of last season through injury, has moved on to Shrewsbury Town.
Newport County player departures:
Mitch Rose: The brother of Tottenham full-back Danny was released by Flynn and has signed a two-year deal at League Two rivals Grimsby Town.
Darren Jones: He announced his retirement from professional football at the end of last season and has joined part-timers Bath City in Conference South.
Others released by Flynn: Craig Reid, Ryan Bird, Liam Angel, Marcus Beauchamp, Paul Bignot, Jack Compton, Darren Jones, Tom Meechan, Kieran Parselle, Finlay Wood
Loan players who have returned to their parent clubs: Jaanai Gordon (West Ham United), Alex Samuel (Swansea City), Sid Nelson (Millwall), Florent Bojaj (Huddersfield Town), Josh Sheehan (Swansea City).
Newport County AFC pre-season fixtures:
July
Friday 14 v Undy AFC (away, 7.30pm)
Saturday 15 v Swindon Supermarine (away, 3pm)
Tuesday 18: v Chippenham Town (at Hardenhuish Park, 7.30pm)
Wednesday 19: v Merthyr Town (at Penydarren Park, 7.30pm – pay what you want at the gate)
Saturday 22: v Gloucester City AFC (at Evesham United FC, 3pm)
Tuesday 25: v Barry Town United (at Jenner Park, Barry, 7.30pm)
Saturday 29: Eastleigh FC (at Ten Acres, 3pm)