NEW right-back Paul Robson is setting his sights high for the season ahead, insisting Newport County can win the Conference.
The 27-year-old, who completed his move to Spytty Park yesterday, will battle it out with Paul Rodgers to replace the departed Paul Bignot in the County back four.
And he can’t wait to make a mark back home in Britain after several years playing in America.
Having started his career as a youth at Doncaster Rovers and failing to make a mark there or at Charlton Athletic he moved on to non-league Bridlington Town before relocating to the USA in 2005.
Hull-born Robson had a year at Long Island Rough Riders in the USL second division before playing for Crystal Palace Baltimore for three years.
County boss Anthony Hudson spotted Robson’s potential during his own spell in America as player-coach at Wilmington Ham-merheads and manager at Real Maryland Monarchs.
“I’ve heard great things about the manager here and in America, and as soon as I got the opportunity to come down I jumped at it,” said Robson.
“I’ve been here for a week and the lads are great, there’s a fantastic team spirit.
“We’re aiming to win the league, there’s no point in playing if you’re not going to aim for that,” he added.
“We’ve got a great squad and I’m expecting big things this year.”
Robson is likely to start in tomorrow’s friendly against Bolton Wanderers (kick-off 3pm) having come on as a substitute against Cheltenham Town last week and he’s not phased by competition from ex-Arsenal man Rodgers.
“It’s always better to have competition in the squad because it brings everyone’s level up and he’s a quality player,” he said “I’m more used to playing in defence but I have played in midfield as well and I’ll play wherever I’m needed to help the team.
“The Bolton game will be our hardest game of the season against Premier League players, it certainly won’t get any tougher in the Conference.”
Hudson is delighted to have finally got his man after a long pursuit.
“Paul is someone I’ve been aware of for the last three or four years and I’ve always enquired about him,” said the Exiles boss.
“He’s got a fantastic attitude, he’s consistent, can play in several positions, and he’s one of those players you can rely on.
“With him and Paul Rodgers we will have excellent competition at right-back.”
Rodgers, a Northampton Town regular since 2009, is expected to seal his move to County on Monday.
After Saturday's clash, County have just two friendly matches to play before the big kick-off away to Kettering on August 13.
Hudson's men travel to Neath on Friday, August 5, and the match at Undy Athletic has now been moved to Sunday, August 7, at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, County’s Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Wrexham continue to be beset by financial problems.
The Dragons have cancelled two pre-season friendlies because of players' wages not being paid this month.
Manager Dean Saunders confirmed the players have not received their wages.
Games at Colwyn Bay last night and at Vauxhall Motors tomorrow have fallen victim to the situation.
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