NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher is close to being able to announce another new signing as he prepares for his first game in charge.

County make the short trip to Undy AFC for their opening pre-season friendly on Tuesday night in what will be Butcher’s first match since he replaced Jimmy Dack in May.

And the Exiles boss is hopeful that he can conclude the signing of a player, who could become his new captain, by the middle of the week after being frustrated in his efforts to get the deal over the line on Friday.

Butcher is now concentrating on building the spine of his team and the new man – an experienced central defender – would be the ninth new player to arrive at Rodney Parade this summer.

The County boss confirmed the appointments of assistant Russell Osman and chief scout/goalkeeping coach Steve Marsella on Friday.

And after 15 playing departures he has so far brought in striker Lenell John-Lewis, versatile forwards Medy Elito and Alex Rodman, defenders Scott Barrow, Danny Holmes, Nathan Ralph and Seth Nana Twumasi and goalkeeper Rhys Taylor.

“We have a few irons in the fire at the moment as we still have a little bit of money in the budget to play with,” Butcher told the Argus.

“We are close with one in particular, which I’m excited about, but I can’t announce that yet.”

Central defenders Kevin Feely and Regan Poole are both struggling with ankle knocks ahead of Tuesday's match at Undy.

“Both Kevin Feely and Regan Poole have ankle problems at the moment,” said Butcher.

“Regan could be fit this week and Kevin the week after but pre-season is not necessarily about playing your full team in every game.

“It will give us a chance to look at everyone in the squad.

“I was really impressed with everyone in the first week of pre-season training,” he added.

“The group is already ahead of where I expected them to be and the team is bonding very well. I’m very happy with how things have gone so far.”

The match at Undy kicks off at 7pm at The Causeway, (NP26 3EN) on Tuesday night.

The Undy squad contains six ex-County academy players in Jordan Rathbone, Gareth Heywood, Tom Hooper, Marcus Power, Dan Jarman and Ben Davies.

Admission to the game is £5 and includes a free match programme.