NEWPORT’S Nathan Blake has always believed the Exiles were on to a winner with manager Dean Holdsworth, because he never stops working.

The former Chelsea, Cardiff City and County hit man is a close pal of the Exiles’ ‘gaffer’ having spent a year with him at Bolton Wanderers when they were both Premier League strikers.

And having continued to be firm friends in the subsequent decade, Blake got to see Holdsworth’s work ethic first hand last summer when they both undertook a course to earn their Uefa ‘B’ licenses.

“I spent a few days rooming with Deano, just as I did back in the day for Bolton Wanderers when we became great mates,” he explained.

“I was amazed by how focused he was on the club, he was basically never off the phone, wheeling and dealing, talking about players, talking with his players, it was his only priority.

“I know they’ve had a tough time with it, the Newport fans, but they really are lucky to have Deano, because he’s really going places.

“It’s amazing to think that at the start of last season, the County fans wanted rid of Dean. He’s turned it round now and it’s a case of looking to hang on to him rather than the other way round.

“I know his heart is with the club. He is really doing a superb job.”

Blake is thrilled that his former, and indeed, local club has re-emerged as a Conference side after 21 years in the footballing wilderness.

“I believe Dean is capable of taking County back into the Football League if they can maintain their momentum and if he can add to his squad, which is already a good one, they can hopefully push on.

“When you look at some of the League One and League Two clubs, I think it’s fair to say County belong at that level.

“The least they should be aiming for is a return to the Football League and I believe that can happen.

“For the last three years or so they’ve been getting their finances right and that’s really half the battle.

“But they’ve got to continue to be ambitious without over stretching themselves. They are going to surprise people next season and it’s important to take advantage of that.”

Blake still recalls fondly his time with Holdsworth as a teammate at Bolton Wanderers.

“Dean and I hit it off even though I think really he was signed to replace me,” he commented.

“It would end up being a year until I moved to Blackburn and in that time Bolton signed Dean and Eidur Gudjohnson (now with Tottenham Hotspur) which meant my time was up.

“But despite both competing for the same spot in the side we got on great off the field, I was thrilled when he got the County job and I am delighted he’s been such a big success.”