Newport County AFC have signed exciting young defenders Lazar Stojsavljevic and Kyle Howkins on two-year-deals.
Versatile 21-year-old Serbian defender Stojsavljevic, who primarily plays as a left-sided centre-back, began his career at National League South side Woking FC.
After breaking through Woking’s youth ranks, Lazar made five first team appearances and scored once before moving on to Championship side Millwall after a successful trial with the London club.
Stojsavljevic was released this summer after one season in Millwall’s Under-23 side.
https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1139587436412096513
“I am absolutely delighted to sign for Newport,” says Stojsavljevic. “For those who might not know me, I am an aggressive central-defender with a big will to win. I’m fresh from my time at Millwall where I trained with quality players. I can’t wait to get started.”
County manager Michael Flynn said: “Lazar had a good grounding at Millwall where they are used to playing proper football. He’s an aggressive defender, 6ft 3ins tall and a left-footer who is going to bring good competition for places and balance to the squad.”
Howkins, aged 23, signed his first professional contract with West Bromwich Albion in 2017 and had loan spells at Kidderminster Harriers, Mansfield Town, Cambridge United and Port Vale.
“I’m delighted to have Kyle on board,” says Flynn. “He’s a promising young centre-back who has the potential to play higher.
“He’s been coached by those I hold in good regard. Kyle is someone I’ve kept my eye on for over two years and even tried signing him on loan in the past. It’s a fantastic deal for us because he has a promising future ahead of him.”
Newport County ins, outs and staying:
New signings
Lazar Stojsavljevic
Kyle Howkins
Tom King (gk)
Released:
Tyler Forbes
Andrew Crofts
Will Randall
Retired
David Pipe
Loans expired
Regan Poole (Manchester United)
Tyreeq Bakinson (Bristol City)
Harry McKirdy (Aston Villa)
Moved on
Dan Butler (to Peterborough)
Under contract:
Nick Townsend
Jay Foulston
Scot Bennett
Robbie Willmott
Keanu Marsh-Brown
Momodou Touray
Lewis Collins
Adebayo Azeez
Padraig Amond
Jamille Matt
Apprentices under contract:
Dewi Benham
Ioan Evans
Ryan George
Dom Jeffries
Callum Jones
Elis Watts
Tom Wright
Ruben Fahiya
First year scholar intake:
Callum Brain
Louie Cirotto
Connor Graham
Jay Williams
Joe Woodiwiss
Zack Maher
Aneurin Livermore
Lewys Twamley
Ryan Hillier