FOR much of last season’s League Two run-in, manager Graham Coughlan stressed that he didn’t expect dramatic change at Newport County AFC. Owner Huw Jenkins had different ideas.
The Exiles had a long released list of eight players plus there were four players who were in talks over fresh deals.
Only one of them, experienced midfielder Aaron Wildig, will be back in amber next season.
County’s rebuild has seen eight players so far sign up for a new era at Rodney Parade after the departure of Coughlan, who had called all the shots before Jenkins’ takeover.
A number of their predecessors are also settling in at new clubs, so here is what has happened so far for the 2024 leavers…
SCOT BENNETT (Cheltenham)
The stalwart wanted to stay in Newport but was given a contract offer that he felt was too low.
The 33-year-old will remain in League Two and won't have to move far after being snapped up by fellow Exiles great Michael Flynn after he took over in the Cheltenham hotseat.
The defender/midfielder will get a swift reunion with County on the opening weekend of the season.
RYAN DELANEY (Swindon)
The captain and centre-back, who arrived from Morecambe last summer on a one-year contract, was in talks with County over a fresh deal.
The Irishman, a mainstay of the XI with 41 appearances until a season-ending knee injury, has instead left for League Two rivals Swindon Town.
HARRY CHARSLEY (Oldham)
The departure of Coughlan, who worked with the midfielder at Mansfield and brought him to Newport, meant a fresh start was always likely despite contract talks.
The 27-year-old came through the ranks at Everton and returns to the north west of England with Oldham, heading for the National League after turning down EFL offers.
OMAR BOGLE (Crewe)
The striker was released after two seasons at Rodney Parade, winning the club’s golden boot in his first campaign with 19 strikes and then scoring eight times last term when hindered by injury.
On his day a standout performer in League Two, Bogle took part in a Professional Footballers Association pre-season training camp to stay sharp while plotting his next move.
That has led to a two-year deal with Crewe Alexandra to be reunited with Mickey Demetriou.
JOE DAY (Cheltenham)
The goalkeeper's second spell with County ended last summer when he was allowed to leave on loan, initially with Woking and then Yeovil.
He was a popular figure with the Glovers after helping them return to the National League but will instead head for Cheltenham while starting his coaching career.
The 33-year-old is also reunited with Flynn as a player-coach, providing competition for fellow new recruit Owen Evans for the starting spot at Whaddon Road.
OFFRANDE ZANZALA (AFC Fylde)
The striker spent two seasons with County but suffered a serious hamstring injury and then ruptured knee ligaments.
The 27-year-old returned in February and scored three goals, including a memorable double at Harrogate, and provided a pair of assists in the run-in.
Zanzala will hope for a change of fortune after dropping into the National League with Fylde on a one-year contract.
JAMES WAITE (Weston-super-Mare)
The attacking midfielder earned a chance in the Football League thanks to his performances with Penybont.
However, after 93 appearances for County the 25-year-old from Sebastapol has moved on for regular football.
He will play in National League South for Weston, where he previously played on loan while on the books of Cardiff.
SAM BOWEN (Solihull Moors)
The midfielder joined from Cardiff in the summer of 2022 but made just 14 appearances in his first campaign, eight of them in August, and was on the fringes after James Rowberry was replaced by Graham Coughlan.
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Wealdstone in the National League and made 41 outings. He will remain in that division after landing a move to beaten play-off finalists Solihull Moors.
DECLAN DRYSDALE (Tranmere)
Another promising player whose time in Newport was hit by injury – the tall central defender made just 43 appearances over two seasons.
Drysdale, from Birkenhead, trained with Tranmere in pre-season and did enough to earn a one-year contract to stay in League Two.
JONNY MAXTED (Brackley Town)
It was a short hunt for a new club for the experienced goalkeeper, who played on trial for the Exiles in pre-season last year to earn a contract as Nick Townsend's back-up/rival.
The stopper, who made six appearances with the Exiles, will play in National League North with Brackley, a return to Northamptonshire for the ex-Cobblers man.
HARRISON BRIGHT (Salisbury)
The academy graduate got a chance to show what he could do in the run-in after injuries to Shane McLoughlin and Lewis Payne.
It was a slight surprise that County didn’t offer the 20-year-old from Blaenavon fresh terms but they have instead given an opportunity to Joe Thomas after his release by Swansea City.
Bright has dropped into National League South with Salisbury, aiming to get regular action and climb back up the levels.
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