NEWPORT County boss Anthony Hudson has pulled off a Harry Redknapp-style coup just days after the Premier League boss’ visit to Newport, completing the signing of midfielder Tommy Doh-erty.

Doherty, 32, who spent almost a decade at Ashton Gate with Bristol City, joins from League Two outfit Bradford City, having also played for QPR, Wycombe and Ferencvaros in Turkey.

A robust and skilled central midfielder who has nine full caps for Northern Ireland, Doherty is likely to be “one of the very best” players in the Conference, according to his delighted new boss.

County have a host of players in their squad making their way in football and Hudson feels that signing a player like Doherty, who has been there and done it in the Football League, is vital for a club chasing promotion.

Hudson’s mentor Redknapp has made a career out of resurrecting players he signs on Bosman transfers and Hudson is certain Doherty is exactly what County missed last term.

“I strongly felt we needed some older, more experienced players in the side for next season, winners if you like, players who have been there and done it, and Tommy is one of those kind of players,” he said.

“He has been a top, top player in the Football League and is a top character as well, he has the personality and winning attitude that I want for this club.

“In terms of his ability, his character, his influence and what he can do for us, he ticks all the boxes.”

Doherty had some injury troubles last term at Bradford and only played 18 times, but Hudson has no concerns about Doherty’s condition.

“He’s in absolutely fantastic shape, very strong and very fit,” he said.

Doherty’s name was mentioned in dispatches, according to Hudson, but he was expected to re-sign with Bradford.

When it became clear he was available, the Exiles moved quickly, despite a host of clubs in Leagues One and Two making inquiries.

“We moved quickly and we wrapped it up very quickly because Tommy was in demand,” Hudson said.

“He wanted to move back to the Bristol area and we were able to sell him on the club and what we are trying to achieve here.

“We expect him to be a very important player for us, and I’ll tell you what, our attacking players will absolutely love playing with him.”