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Defender Aaron Lewis has left Newport County after three seasons with the League Two club.

The 25-year-old was initially a loan signing from Lincoln in October 2020, signing a permanent deal on deadline day in February 2021.

The following June he signed a two-year contract but was unable to agree a new deal this summer to stay with the club.

"I've got nothing but great things to say about this club," Lewis said on social media.

"Throughout the past three years it's helped me grow as a player and a person and most importantly got me back to enjoying football... I wish the club and everyone around it the very best."

Lewis, a Swansea City academy product, has not revealed which club he will be joining after leaving Rodney Parade.

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Mickey Demetriou has left Newport County as a free agent after the captain failed to agree new terms.

The defender, 33, joined the League Two club from Shrewsbury Town in January 2017, playing a key part in their relegation 'great escape' that season.

"Mickey's left the club, his contract ran out at the end of June and we put a contract in front of Mickey the first week in May," manager Graham Coughlan told Radio Wales Sport.

"He's not taken us up on our offer."

Demetriou, who has not confirmed a new club, agreed a new Exiles contract in 2019 and again in 2021, but was not able to find common ground on a third extension.

"I've been in constant dialogue over the summer and I've tried to twist his arm, tried to turn his head," Coughlan said.

"On Friday night I had a conversation with him and told him I was about to drive over to his house and bundle him in the back of my car and bring him back!

"Yeah, it wasn't successful which again, you're losing a leader, you're losing his leadership, a right of call in the changing room, a right of call in the club for the last seven years.

"I tried to play the emotional card with Mickey regarding the next couple of seasons, going into coaching, maybe if he fancied going into recruitment, whatever he wanted long-term and also I tried to bribe him with a testimonial if he made the 10 years. So I tried everything.

"But look, we're not competitive enough and that comes from the financial side of the league, we just can't hold on to these type of guys and the annoying part on my side is we're losing players to clubs like Harrogate, Oldham, I'm losing players to the likes of Grimsby.

"I know Oldham are in a different league but imagine Harrogate and Grimsby - we're both fighting in the same neck of the woods in the league so its very, very challenging shall we say."

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Along with Demetriou, fellow defenders Aaron Lewis, Priestley Farquharson and Cameron Norman have all departed Rodney Parade as free agents despite being offered new contracts.

"It's been very frustrating if I'm honest, I've been disappointed with the lads and I'm frustrated and annoyed and all of them emotions, any emotions you can name, because I think our recruitment this summer would've been about improving the squad," Coughlan added.

"But when the four lads departed I'd say we made them very, very competitive offers but obviously not competitive enough... losing those four players, it's very difficult to replace them, it's almost impossible to replace four lads like that.

"So it was very disappointing, very frustrated and annoyed, I wish the lads had stayed, I wanted them to stay, I was desperate for them to stay.

"It has been a setback, it has been a blow... but it is what it is, there's not a lot I can do about it. So I have to just get up and try my best to put together some sort of competitive squad going into next season."

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Newport County have signed former Republic of Ireland youth international Shane McLoughlin from Salford City.

The 26-year-old midfielder has spent the last five seasons in League One with AFC Wimbledon and Morecambe before joining Salford in January.

He has signed a two-year deal at Rodney Parade, subject to EFL approval.

Manager Graham Coughlan said: "Shane is a great footballer and will bring good experience and expertise in that area of the pitch."

He added: "We're looking forward to working with him as he shares the same hunger and desire as the rest of the squad."
Born in the Bronx, New York, he moved with his family moved to Ireland aged five before joining Ipswich Town as a scholar and young professional.

After loan spells at Bromley, he moved to AFC Wimbledon in January 2019, making 81 appearances for the Dons before joining Morecombe in 2021.

He made 54 appearances for the Shrimps, including an FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in 2022.

He said: "The manager explained what he wants out of me and our ambitions for this season, and it's a great fit all round. I'm really excited to get going."

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Newport County made a loss of over £1.2m in for the year ending 30 June 2022, having made a small profit in the previous year.

Accounts filed with Companies House show the League Two club has net liabilities of £393,634.

Newport say a "set of improved financial controls are now in place."

They added their financial position has been stabilised and are confident of "obtaining new funding".

Newport said the "budgeted deficit" arises from "internal and external pressures" and the club remains a going concern.

The club's directors say steps have been taken to re-structure the management team within the club whilst specialist external financial support has been obtained.

In a statement accompanying the accounts club directors noted some games were played behind closed doors during the season because of Covid restrictions.

Season 2021-22 also saw the departure of long serving manager Michael Flynn replaced by James Rowberry.

The statement said: "The trading performance for the year has been affected by several factors.

"Once the Board became fully aware of the impact of the challenges faced by the business it employed a senior industry professional to support and advise.

"A set of robust actions have been implemented to ensure that improved financial controls are now in place.

"Plans will be reviewed with control and rigour to ensure the necessary business improvements are seen."

It continued, "following consultation with primary stakeholders... the club are confident of obtaining new funding to assist in meeting historical liabilities as well as agreeing payment terms to settle any remaining outstanding debts".

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Newport County have signed Seb Palmer-Houlden on a season-long loan from Championship club Bristol City.

The 19-year-old forward scored 17 goals for the Robins' U21 side in 2022-23 and last week extended his contract with the Ashton Gate club until June 2025.

Palmer-Houlden also had two short loan spells with Yeovil Town and Chippenham Town last season.

"Seb is a great young lad, and he's got lots of potential," said Newport manager Graham Coughlan.

Newport hold talks over potential new investment
"He has fantastic mobility, he's a very natural finisher and his commitment and attitude fits our DNA perfectly.

"He is a good size and has a good physique to match it. We were lacking in that position [forward] so I'm glad we can bring Seb in to help fill it."

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Newport County have signed a new short term deal to continue playing at Rodney Parade.

Work will now begin in securing a longer deal for tenancy at the ground currently owned by the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Exiles' previous 10-year licence for the ground, also home of the Dragons regional rugby side and Newport RFC, expired in June.

"We are delighted to secure the lease," County director Shaun Johnson said.

Newport sign forward Palmer-Houlden on loan
Newport hold talks over potential new investment
"It's a positive step for both parties and we would like to thank the Dragons for their continued support. We both believe there are exciting times ahead for professional sport in Newport, with Rodney Parade at the heart of things."

The new agreement will take the tenancy through next season but work will now begin on sealing a longer term agreement, especially as the Football League will require clubs to have a 10-year lease on home grounds from 2025-26.

Rodney Parade will soon become the property of the Dragons when they complete a takeover.

Mark Jones, the Dragons managing director, said: "We are pleased to agree the lease extension with Newport County and ensure that Rodney Parade continues to be the home of professional sport in the city.

"Our relationship with Newport County continues to grow and we thank them for their hard work and diligence in ensuring a new agreement has been reached that is a positive step forward for all parties."


County have played at the stadium since 2012, having moved from their previous home at Spytty Park.

The County Supporters Trust, who own the club, are currently sounding out potential investors, with former director Colin Everett leading the investigation into possibilities.

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Newport County have signed experienced "warrior" Ryan Delaney from Morecambe for next season.

The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international can play at play either centre-half or left-back.

Exiles boss Graham Coughlan revealed the 26-year-old has been a long-term target and said he was "delighted" to finally complete the signing.

He said: "It's been a long chase. Although I knew we had to be patient, I didn't think it was going to happen."

Coughlan added: "I'm delighted we've finally got our man. I'm sure the wait will be worth it because he's a proper leader who will fit our dressing room. He's a warrior and a winner.''


Delaney began his career with home-town club Wexford in the League of Ireland before he was signed by up by Championship club Burton Albion in 2016.

He returned to Ireland for a loan spell with Cork City before moving to Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon (on loan) and Bolton Wanderers before signing a two-year contract with League One side Morecombe in 2021.

Newport hold talks over new investment
Newport agree new Rodney Parade deal
Delaney said: "It really felt like the right move for me and I'm keen to add my strengths to the team.

"I'm excited to get amongst the lads and see how we can complement each other to bring the best out of the team.''

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Defender Josh Seberry has joined League Two Newport County from League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne on a two-year deal.

Seberry, 19, has been on trial with The Exiles and played in friendlies against Undy and Pontypridd United.

The young Irishman impressed compatriot Graham Coughlan, with the County boss handing Seberry a professional contract.

"Josh comes very highly recommended,'' Coughlan said.

"He's a natural athlete and has great physical attributes.

"He has a lot of learning and development ahead of him, which will take time, but he is a very exciting project and we are all really looking forward to working with him.''


Seberry came through the ranks at Drogheda United before a move to Shelbourne in 2022, where he progressed to the first team.

"There's a really good vibe among the team," Seberry said on completing his move to south Wales.

"I can feel myself getting quicker and sharper already, so hopefully the only way is up from here.''

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Newport County have signed goalkeeper Jonny Maxted following his departure from Northampton Town.

The 29-year-old will replace long-standing stopper Joe Day after his loan move to Woking and will challenge Nick Townsend between the sticks.

"Jonny came in a month ago and played for us in our friendly fixture against Pontypridd," Newport manager Graham Coughlan said.

"Jonny has also been training with us and has fitted in really well."

Having started his career at Doncaster Rovers, Maxted played for Hartlepool, Forest Green Rovers, Guiseley, Accrington Stanley, and Exeter City.

After 26 appearances for the Grecians between 2019 and 2021, he made the switch to Northampton.

"He's an experienced goalkeeper and has been in successful training rooms, such as recently promoted Northampton," Coughlan added.

"Jonny will challenge Nick for the number one jersey in the upcoming season."

Day, who has made more than 300 appearances during two spells at Newport, has joined National League side Woking on a season-long loan.

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Newport County have signed Southampton defender Lewis Payne on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old joins the League Two outfit having made his senior debut for the Saints in last year's Carabao Cup.

Payne can play in a number of positions across the back but has most commonly played as a right-back.

"Lewis is a great utility player, he's adventurous and will open up that side of the pitch," said County manager Graham Coughlan.

"He'll give us some great options through his versatility and looking at him, he can play three or four positions.

"We of course are still searching and seeking that key striker, but if I can pick up and decorate the rest of the team along the way, that's what I'll do."