NEWPORT County AFC said goodbye to Lamar Reynolds today as manager Michael Flynn made room for more new arrivals at Rodney Parade.
Reynolds, who ended last season on loan at Leyton Orient, joins the O’s National League rivals Dagenham & Redbridge in a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Exiles last summer, had one year left on his contract and Flynn told the Argus that the club has secured a sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Reynolds made just 15 appearances for the club, scoring once, and Flynn said that the winger was not ready to make an impact in League Two this season.
“I’ve spoken to Peter Taylor, who I know is a very good manager, and I know he will be good for Lamar,” said Flynn.
“The fact of the matter is that I haven’t got time to bring people on. I need to get the best squad I can and it releases up a small amount that we could maybe use towards a loan – somebody who is more ready to make an impact in the Football League.
“We’ve negotiated a sell-on clause so it’s about giving him an opportunity, clearing the decks, bringing a little bit more income into the football club and protecting us in the future.”
Reynolds would have been behind Robbie Willmott and new signing Keanu Marsh-Brown in the pecking order this season.
“Keanu has come in, Josh Sheehan can play there, Robbie can play there and there might be another left-footer coming in,” said Flynn.
“It’s about competition for places and I need somebody I can rely on week in and week out. I don’t think that Lamar’s quite at that level yet but I still think he can kick on and make a career for himself.
“I hope he does because he’s a lovely lad and I wish him all the best.
“I’m not the type just to let somebody sit [on the bench or in the stands] and basically waste a year of their career.
“He’s got ability and I just hope he realises what he’s got and knuckles down and gets on with it.”
Former Forest Green Rovers winger Marsh-Brown is one of six new signings so far this summer.
Fellow Forest Green midfielder Charlie Cooper has also arrived on a season-long loan, while defenders Fraser Franks and Tyler Forbes, Wales international midfielder Andrew Crofts and striker Jamille Matt have signed permanent deals.
Flynn is still on the lookout for more additions and Gloucester City midfielder Mat Liddiard is reported to be on trial with the club this week.
County have also been linked with a loan move for Cardiff City striker Rhys Healey, who enjoyed a successful spell at Rodney Parade during the 2016-2017 season.
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