TERRY Butcher might be the man who dismantled Newport County’s squad from last season, but he’s highly impressed with those who have remained, writes Michael Pearlman.

The former England international culled the squad at the end of the summer, offering new deals to only a handful of players with only Andrew Hughes opting to stay.

The likes of Ryan Jackson, Darren Jones and Adam Chapman opted to take deals elsewhere (Gillingham, Forest Green and Mansfield respectively) while a host of players, including Ismail Yakubu, Max Porter, Lee Minshull, Robbie Willmott, Shaun Jeffers and Aaron O’Connor, were released and have signed for other clubs.

However, Butcher also inherited goalkeeper Joe Day, defenders Regan Poole and Kevin Feely and midfielders Mark Byrne and Yan Klukowski for next term and he’s enjoyed getting to know some faces already familiar to the Amber Army.

“Obviously I didn’t know Mark Byrne or Yan Klukowski, but I am really enjoying working with them, they seem like excellent professionals and good players,” Butcher explained.

“Regan has missed out so far with injury but Andrew Hughes is stepping up his rehabilitation and will be like a new signing when he’s fit.

“And I’ve mentioned already the excellent competition we have for the goalkeeping spots.”