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One In And One Out At Newport County As Graham Coughlan Rebuilds

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By Gareth James

Newport County manager Graham Coughlin reckons new signing Bryn Morris can fire the team’s midfield ignition next season.

County have bolstered their squad by securing the services of defensive midfielder Morris, who recently became a free agent after his departure from Grimsby Town.

But they have lost defender Priestley Farquharson, who has rejected a new deal and moved instead to League Two rivals, Walsall.

Morris, a seasoned player hailing from Middlesbrough’s academy, has inked a two-year contract at Rodney Parade, marking Newport’s third successful acquisition during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old has made 200 senior appearances, including 42 in his one season at Grimsby.

“Bryn is a great addition,” said Newport boss Coughlan.

“He has a lot of experience and will give us additional ball control in the middle of the park.

“He has a great engine which will fit into how we play. He is also a great character who displays strong leadership qualities, so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Born in Hartlepool, Morris enjoyed limited first-team opportunities at Boro, and he embarked on loan spells at various clubs such as Burton Albion, Coventry City, York City, and Walsall.

In 2017, he joined Shrewsbury Town and later had a loan stint at Wycombe Wanderers before sealing a permanent transfer to Portsmouth in 2019.

He then had a loan spell at Northampton Town before rejoining Burton. He also had a brief loan spell at Hartlepool before his move to Grimsby in 2022.

Newport County have also secured the services of attacking midfielder Nathan Wood and defender Kyle Jameson earlier in the summer, further strengthening their squad for the upcoming season.

But centre-back Farquharson – who was linked with League One and Championship clubs last season – has moved on after turning down the terms on offer at County.

“The move here felt right,” said Farquharson. “Every time I have played here, it’s been a tough place to come and that toughness, winning mentality is built in me and I know I can bring that here.

“[Head coach] Mat Sadler and I had a few conversations and everything he said aligned with my goals and aspirations.

Farquharson was signed from Connah’s Quay Nomads by former County manager Michael Flynn after impressing in the Cymru Premier and played 38 matches in all competitions last season.

a part in the 2020/21 promotion push, coming off the bench in the Wembley play-off defeat to Morecambe.

“I’m delighted to get Priestley,” said Sadler.

“He’s someone we’ve worked hard to get over the line and we’re absolutely delighted to secure his services.

“Priestley is a man mountain of a guy, he’s extremely mobile, really quick and fits the demands of the division really well.

“He defends well, he’s comfortable in one-v-one situations. I played against him in his first season in English football at Newport and straight away I was struck by the athleticism of him.

“He’s a front foot defender who loves to defend but also likes to step in and dribble as well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing his aggressive style of play.

“He’s so hungry to get better, so hungry to improve and better himself each and every day. It’s that hunger in a player that I am after in all the players that I’m looking to sign.”

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