Newport County have signed an absolute Marvel. Manager Michael Flynn has snapped up 23-year-old central defender Marvel Ekpiteta.
“I’m buzzing to get started,” said Marvel. “I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead and can’t wait for pre-season.
“I see myself as a leader, love defending and I try and get on the ball as much as possible. I join the club fresh from Hungerford Town where I have enjoyed my best season.
“I’m so happy now that I have been rewarded with a chance to play in the EFL.”
Marvel started his career alongside twin brother Marvin in the youth set-up at Oxford United. He also had a spell at Stevenage.
The twins could face each other in Sky Bet League Two next season as Marvin plays for newly-promoted Leyton Orient.
Manager Michael Flynn said: “Marvel will add to the competition for places. He has done well at Hungerford and caught the attention of quite a few clubs.
“His twin brother is playing at Leyton Orient and I’m hoping he will do just as well as him. We have a really good prospect for the future in Marvel and he will have a good career as long as he keeps learning.”
Marvel is a ball-playing centre-back who can also be deployed as a full-back on either side of defence.
He picked up a hat-trick of awards with National League South side Hungerford Town last season – named manager’s player of the season, supporters player of the season and players player of the season in a campaign where he registered 45 appearances for the Crusaders.
Marvel joined Hungerford after spells with non-League clubs, including AFC Hayes, Bishops Stortford and Chelmsford City.
London-born Marvel captained Hungerford last season. He has notched up more than 140 first team appearances for the clubs he has played for so far in his career.
Newport County AFC have now signed the talented young defender on a two-year contract.
Newport County ins, outs and staying:
New signings
Lazar Stojsavljevic
Kyle Howkins
Tom King (gk)
Marvel Ekpiteta
Released:
Tyler Forbes
Andrew Crofts
Will Randall
Retired
David Pipe
Loans expired
Regan Poole (Manchester United)
Tyreeq Bakinson (Bristol City)
Harry McKirdy (Aston Villa)
Moved on
Dan Butler (to Peterborough)
Under contract:
Nick Townsend
Jay Foulston
Scot Bennett
Robbie Willmott
Keanu Marsh-Brown
Momodou Touray
Lewis Collins
Adebayo Azeez
Padraig Amond
Jamille Matt
Apprentices under contract:
Dewi Benham
Ioan Evans
Ryan George
Dom Jeffries
Callum Jones
Elis Watts
Tom Wright
Ruben Fahiya
First year scholar intake:
Callum Brain
Louie Cirotto
Connor Graham
Jay Williams
Joe Woodiwiss
Zack Maher
Aneurin Livermore
Lewys Twamley
Ryan Hillier