ANTHONY Hudson is preparing to run the rule over a plethora of trialists tomorrow night as his side begin their pre-season campaign.
However, in the meantime supporters can look forward to mapping out their campaign with the Conference fixtures released today.
A delay had been expected because of Rushden and Diamonds’ appeal against their expulsion from the division because of financial difficulties.
However Rushden yesterday withdrew their appeal and the fixtures can be released as scheduled at 11am.
County supporters can also look forward to seeing their club in action tomorrow night when the club travel to Chepstow Town (kick-off 6.30pm).
The Argus will tomorrow reveal the full details of the myriad of trialists, which will include former Toulouse academy product Adam Smith, an England under-17 international midfielder and Bo Ampleford, a former Real Madrid academy player.
It is understood eight or nine triallists will feature.
Hudson admits he’s currently burning the candle at both ends, running training each day and also attempting to round out his recruitment for next term.
The boss remains keen on signing two strikers, one on loan and one permanently, and is also in talks over four separate loan signings.
Talks are now under way with Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, who returned to pre-season training yesterday, over a loan signing that was agreed in principle last month when Spurs manager Harry Redknapp came to Newport.
Despite rumours to the contrary, that player is not hotshot Harry Kane, who was at loan at Leyton Orient last term and also took his place on the bench for two League Cup games.
Hudson is hopeful of making at least a couple of signings before Stoke City visit Spytty Park on July 16 and is confident that things are progressing well on and off the field.
“Training has been great,” he said. “The boys have had a good intensity and that’s been pleasing but there is an awful lot going on behind the scenes.
“Recruitment wise we are moving along in the right direction. I spoke to Harry (Redknapp) on Sunday night and hopefully we can press on with that one now.
“But there are also going to be a lot of players available as pre-season draws to a close and we know exactly what we want.”
Hudson is open-minded about the large number of trialists available for tomorrow.
He said: “I am looking forward to having a good hard look at them.
“We want to have good competition in the squad and if I think any of these players can strengthen us we will look to do something.”
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