Newport County signed five players, but manager Michael Flynn was still ruing the one that got away.
“I would have liked the one player who I was chasing for about six weeks but it wasn’t to be,” said Flynn.
“He’s a regular in a Championship squad now so I knew it was going to be tough as soon as I saw that develop, but at least it shows we’re going for the right players.
“The squad have been superb, but I’ve got a few I want to get rid of and I want to get the numbers down because I don’t like it – there’s too many.
“I prefer a tight-knit squad of 22 or 23 players.”
County added five players to their squad during the transfer window with striker Paul Hayes and midfielder Josh Sheehan arriving on permanent contracts, while Tyler Reid, Emmanuel Osadebe and Aaron Collins joined the Exiles on loan.
The next League Two test for Newport is against Colchester United away, while County then have their FA Cup fourth round replay at Wembley Stadium next Wednesday.
Colchester, though, is the only focus for Flynn and his players. They badly need three points against a home team who haven’t won for six fixtures.
Defender Aaron Barnes, 21, has joined Colchester from Charlton Athletic, while manager John McGreal signed Queens Park Rangers winger Olamide Shodipo, Doncaster Rovers striker Liam Mandeville on loan and midfield player Ben Stevenson from Wolves on loan.
Newport’s transfer news:
Signed:
Paul Hayes. The 34-year-old striker was cleared to play for County at the start of the transfer window.
Josh Sheehan. Back with Newport have made the move from Swansea City to Rodney Parade.
Llanelli-born Sheehan, 22, is a Wales under-21 international and scored five goals during a loan spell with Newport last season.
“As soon as Newport came calling it was an easy decision to join,” said Sheehan. “The club has been doing really well and I wanted to be a part of that really.
“There is a big change in mentality here now and we truly are looking to win every game.
“The manager is really good here, all the boys are buying into his philosophy here, so we just keep going.
“The main thing for me is to get first-team football and I wanted to come to somewhere where I felt loved. Hopefully, I can show the fans what I can bring again.”
Loan Extension
Shawn McCoulsky. Has extended his plan deal from Bristol City until the end of the season. The 21-year-old has scored 10 goals.
Loan signings
Aaron Collins. A 20-year-old who is back with his home city club on loan from Wolves. Started his career with County before the move to Molineux.
Tyler Reid. A right-back who has joined County from Swansea until the end of this season.
“Tyler brings energy, strength and an attacking threat,” said Flynn. “He will have to work hard to get into the team. This is a big signing for us and only made possible by our close relationship with Swansea.”
Emmanuel Osadebe. Aged 21, the former Gillingham player has signed for Newport on loan from Cambridge United on loan until the end of this season.
Flynn says: “Emmanuel brings energy, versatility and can play in a few positions.
“He has height and is a good footballer. He’s got a good pedigree, but he’s got to fight to get into the team.”
Moved on
Lamar Reynolds. The 22-year-old has joined former Newport manager Justin Edinburgh at Leyton Orient on loan until the end of this season.
Aaron Williams. Is back with former club Brackley Town.
End of loan
Joe Quigley. Returned to AFC Bournemouth after a six month loan deal and the 21-year-old is now joined Boredom Wood, also on loan.
Youth loans
Former Cardiff City player Byron Anthony is in charge of Newport County’s youth team and six of his players have gone out on work experience loans.
Evan Press has joined Welsh League Division One side Undy Athletic, while Joe Hunt and Michael Cook, have both joined Cinderford Town in the Southern League One West division.
Tom Savigar and defender Jay Williams are at Port Talbot Town and Liam Warman is with Welsh League Division One club Penybont.
Anthony said: “It is really important for the second-year scholars to gain first team football experience, we are grateful to the loan clubs for giving them this opportunity; this will be beneficial to the players future development.”