FORMER Wales international goalkeeper Glyn Garner has expressed his sadness at leaving “his club,” Newport County.

The ex-Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury stopper joined the Exiles last summer but played a bit-part role for the club, making just eight appearances as Glyn Thompson remained County’s number one.

However, after signing a deal with Conference National rivals Bath City, Garner admitted his honour at representing the Exiles.

The Cwmbran born and based goalkeeper explained: “Newport County is the team I supported all my life, I stood on the terraces as a kid and I would never say I regret signing for them, not at all,” he said.

“It was a great honour to play for Newport County even one time, it means a huge amount to my family and I because it is our club.

“I knew when I joined that Glyn (Thompson) was first choice because of his form the previous season but that didn’t worry me.

“I wanted to be apart of things at Newport County.

“That was a priority in my career and in a lot of ways it is sad to be leaving.

“I don’t want to upset Bath City fans, but of course, my heart is still with Newport County. I am a County fan and in a lot of ways I wish I could stay.

“Playing for the club has made a massive, massive difference for me. I will look back on my career proud to have played for Newport County.”

Garner, who turns 35 in December is leaving for two reasons, the pursuit of first team football being a consideration. However, the main factor is that Garner has become the first casualty of the Exiles going professional.

“I am doing a course at Newport University, training to be a PE teacher and unfortunately that is a commitment which means five days a week training is impossible for me,” he said.

“Going full time won’t suit my lifestyle unfortunately and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions.

“But in some ways this was easier because I am signing for a club nearby in the same division and I am joining to play.

“I feel I still have a lot to give as a goalkeeper and I am relishing the chance to play a full season hopefully.”

Garner is warning the Exiles that being too rigid in their ‘professional only,’ policy could backfire.

“It’s great, all well and good and definitely the right thing for the club eventually, but Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he said.

“You need to have a little flexibility, County had a nice niche last year of being able to offer players three days training a week and that’s ideal for some guys who have other interests or responsibilities away from football.”

Danny Rose played 80 minutes on Thursday night as the England C side lost 1-0 to the Portugal under-23s.

“Danny had an excellent game against a side boasting full internationals,” County director of football Tim Harris said.

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