MR Newport County Nathan Davies is leaving Spytty Park to play for another team for the first time in his entire career.
The terrace idol of Spytty Park has made close to 400 appearances for the Exiles since making his debut in January 2000 but has found his opportunities limited this season due to injury and will now depart the Exiles to join Zamaretto Premier League outfit Leamington Spa.
However, Exiles fans shouldn’t be too crestfallen by the news – Davies is only exiting for a month on loan, the hope being that he will rediscover form and fitness before returning to Spytty Park at the end of November.
The deal should be wrapped up today with the paperwork not yet completed, allowing Davies to go straight into action against Brackley on Saturday.
The move is similar to the one that saw Dave Gilroy join Weston for a month last week, the striker netting a hat trick in his first appearance for Andy Gurney’s men, before returning to County in three weeks time.
However, having never played for another side in his career, Davies’ move is sure to surprise supporters, though the player himself is remaining positive and is desperate to return to Newport.
“I am looking forward to getting some games in and putting the injury problems I have had behind me,” Davies said.
“It is a pretty strange feeling to be honest, it is over ten years since I have played anywhere else and I think everyone knows how much I love County.
“But we’ve seen with Dave Gilroy that a loan can be a good thing, he’s scored a hat trick and that’s going to help us in the long run. I don’t think I will score too many hat tricks at Leamington, but I can get my fitness back.
“Hopefully after a month I will be back and ready to get back into the team. December is such a busy time and there are loads of games so hopefully I can force my way back in.”
Boss Dean Holdsworth is urging supporters not to fear for Nathan’s future at the club, insisting he will return, as will Dave Gilroy.
“I am thrilled for Gilly that he scored a hat trick on debut, we want him fit and firing and full of confidence and I spoke to him on Monday and he was buzzing,” he said.
“We hope it’ll be the same with Nathan, he needs games and we need him fit and ready for action.”
Holdsworth and his side have been recharging the batteries with a free week, opting to do gym work and a spinning class rather than a full training session. They are set to be in Blue Square South action at Staines next Tuesday, but that game will be postponed if Staines draw with Hayes and Yeading in the FA Cup this Saturday.
“I hope it’s not a draw, a week of rest is fine but we don’t want to be inactive again we hope the Staines game goes ahead and we’ll be watching them against Hayes,” Holdsworth said.
“The blessing is it allows us to work hard to get Gary Warren fit again, he’s coming along well.”
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