Terry Butcher has began the task of assembling his squad for next season with the arrival of three new faces to Rodney Parade.
Goalkeeper Rhys Taylor and defender Scott Barrow both sign from Macclesfield Town, whilst former Grimsby Town striker Lenell John-Lewis has agreed to join Newport County following the Mariner's play-off final defeat to Bristol Rovers.
Butcher spoke to the Official Newport County Website about his fist signings since being appointed as County boss. "All three players have been excited by our plans, and about the type of players we are planning to bring in."
Talking about the players individually Butcher said "Rhys played every game for Macclesfield last season, and was instrumental for them throughout the season. They just missed out on play offs but he put in some very good performances. He's a former Welsh international so we know we now have two quality 'keepers with Joe Day already here. There should be a really good contest between the two for the number one position.
Butcher says that whenever finances have allowed at a football club his ideal is always to have two strong 'keepers as opposed to bringing in a younger back-up gloveman. "I always want excellent competition and camaraderie between the keepers, it means the keepers need to be on their toes all the time, they need to stay on their game all season, I have the feeling it will be a fascinating contest between the pair."
Turning his attentions to Scott Barrow, Butcher said: "Scott and Rhys are good pals, they played together at Macclesfield last year, so that's immediately a plus point. Scott is a very good defender who is comfortable on the ball. He's got a sweet left foot and scored a couple of great goals last season. He's a hard working lad who just wants to play."
The third signing of the day is Lenell John-Lewis who caught Butcher's eye after scoring 18 goals for Grimsby Town last season, including a Play Off Final goal at Wembley. "I watched Lenell play in the Play Off Final, where he scored the opening goal early on for Grimsby. He's a player who has been impressive all season, he's scored a good number of goals and has great energy levels.
"He works hard, is strong on the ball and can lead the line well. He gets goals and that's what we're after, he gets goals and makes goals for other players, I'm really excited by him.
"Lenell knows what the League is about having played with Bury recently. He's signed a two-year deal so we're looking for him to really make his mark this year and next year."
Butcher adds that talks are progressing to an advanced stage with a couple more players, and he hopes to make announcements on their signing by the middle of next week.