NEWPORT County boss Anthony Hudson insists it is crucial to hold his nerve as the Exiles continue their recruitment drive for next season, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Exiles have lost Jamie Collins, Glyn Garner and Chris Todd this summer as well as releasing Eddie Odhiambo and seeing several loan players depart.

So far they’ve only added a new goalkeeper in Danny Potter and striker Craig McAllister.

That leaves several holes throughout the squad but Hudson is convinced his summer acquisitions will be worth the wait.

“It is vitally important to be patient at this stage, we believe in our own philosophy and know what we want to do,” he said.

“We only want to sign players who we think will fit in with our way of doing things and not just in terms of their ability but in regard to personality as well.

“We have a clear and concise plan and know exactly where we are and what we need in terms of bringing new faces in.

“We mustn’t fall into the trap of signing players just because they’ve played in the Football League, that isn’t enough.

“We want players with the right character, ability and leadership skills and there have already been several players we’ve turned down because they didn’t fit with what we want.”

Hudson is planning to keep the number of triallists at the club to a minimum this summer as he believes it would prove a distraction during a crucial period where County will face both Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers.

The Bolton friendly came about as a result of Hudson’s friendship with manager Owen Coyle and he admits he is thoroughly enjoying the close season.

“From my point of view I really enjoy this, in a lot of ways it’s the most important aspect of the job,” he said.

“The more hands on and involved you are in the summer, the harder you work at it, the more conviction you have during the season in what you are doing.

“We don’t have the same financial clout as a Crawley or a Fleetwood but I wouldn’t want that. We have a plan in place and I am very confident with what is happening.”