Newport make seven signings for League Two promotion bid

The Exiles can still add free agents for their League Two campaign - and did on Tuesday evening with the arrival of Aaron Lewis - but here’s the list of Rodney Parade newcomers from the window…

NICKY MAYNARD (Loan, Mansfield)

County left it late but the veteran striker was the last piece of business done in the transfer window.

Flynn said throughout January that a proven goalscorer was his number one target and he finally got his man, who had been on the Exiles’ radar throughout the month.

The deal was sealed in the final half hour and one fears what would have happened had the manager not had a happy ending to what was an extremely testing window.

At 34, Maynard is nearing the end of his career but he struck 22 times when helping Bury up in 2019 then scored 15 with Mansfield last season.

DOM TELFORD (Plymouth)

Signed last week on a permanent deal from Plymouth for an undisclosed fee on a contract through to 2022.

The 24-year-old forward is hunting a third promotion on the spin after going up to League One with Bury and then Argyle.

Made his debut off the bench at Harrogate and will aim to reignite his fruitful partnership with Maynard from the Shakers two years ago.

"I like coming short and spinning in behind, whatever the gaffer wants me to do,” said Telford, who played with fellow new boy Maynard at Bury.

"I'm always looking to free up a bit of space in the box and that's my game, I have tunnel vision a bit."

SIGNING: Jake Scrimshaw

JAKE SCRIMSHAW (Loan, Bournemouth)

Spent the first half of the season on loan at Walsall and moved to County at the start of the month.

Has received some unfair criticism online because he has lived off scraps and can’t be faulted for work rate.

Worked his socks off against Salford and Cheltenham then got up and running with a header in the opening stages against Oldham, then grafted hard for the 10-man Exiles.

Will no doubt claim a second goal after Gambin’s shot deflected in off him at Harrogate and the Bournemouth prospect will be important as one of the forward options in a hectic run-in.

An honest worker and seemingly a nice lad without ego. Hopefully he will reap the rewards of keenness by forcing defenders into errors on the tricky Rodney Parade surface.

LUKE GAMBIN (Loan, Colchester)

The Malta international joined on loan from Colchester and has made an immediate impact.

Scored a cracker on debut at Oldham after crossing for Jake Scrimshaw’s opener, then fired in a shot at Harrogate that deflected in off Scrimshaw.

Comfortable in possession and will look to be a creative spark for the Exiles after the departure of Scott Twine.

Has been replaced in both appearances and will be working hard to get to full match sharpness, because the left-footer is likely to be a key man if County can reignite their promotion bid.

SIGNING: Anthony Hartigan

ANTHONY HARTIGAN (Loan, AFC Wimbledon)

The 21-year-old midfielder made his debut in the defeat at Harrogate after arriving from the Dons.

Backed to offer some control alongside key midfielder Josh Sheehan.

“Anthony is a young lad with a lot of energy and is a very good passer of the ball,” said Flynn.

“He is hungry and wants to be part of us getting back on track and finishing the season well. You can’t have enough of those people.

“Anthony will be looking to create, get on the ball and get us playing.”

JACK EVANS (Swansea)

The midfielder signed on a permanent deal but is yet to make his County debut despite being on the bench against Brighton, Cheltenham, Oldham and Harrogate.

Manager Michael Flynn said the 22-year-old needed to get closer to full fitness.

"I need to get him up to speed with the pace and the physicality of League Two," said the boss about the former Wales Under-21s international in January.

"He needs to be patient and bide his time, but during all that he will be getting stronger and more ready for League Two."

SIGNING: Priestley Farquharson

PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON (Connah’s Quay)

One for the future or will Flynn call on him for the promotion bid?

The 23-year-old Englishman was a huge hit at the Nomads, helping them to a Cymru Premier and Nathaniel MG Cup double.

“I’ve tracked Priestley’s progress for a while and have been keen on bringing him to the club in previous transfer windows,” said the manager.

“He has made great strides with Connah’s Quay over the last few seasons and I’m sure he learnt a lot from Andy Morrison, so I feel it is now the right time to get him on board with us.

“It’s a big step up from the Cymru Premier to this division, but I feel it is a challenge that he’s ready for.”

With the defence looking a little shaky of late, Flynn will want the new man to put the pressure on David Longe-King, Matty Dolan and Mickey Demetriou.

READ MORE: Aaron Lewis signs permanent deal

(Note: Owen Windsor arrived on loan from West Brom but has gone back to the Baggies after just one substitute appearance)

Signings: Jack Evans (Swansea), Dom Telford (Plymouth), Priestley Farquharson (Connah's Quay), Jake Scrimshaw (Bournemouth), Luke Gambin (Colchester), Anthony Hartigan (AFC Wimbledon), Owen Windsor* (West Brom)

Exits: Saikou Janneh (Bristol City), Scott Twine (Swindon), Brandon Cooper (Swansea), Bradley Webb (Bristol City), Aaron Lewis (Lincoln, then released), Jamie Devitt (Blackpool, signed for Barrow), Jamie Proctor (Rotherham, loaned to Wigan), Kyle Howkins (Solihull), Owen Windsor (West Brom), Tristan Abrahams (Leyton Orient), Robbie Willmott (Exeter)