Playmaker made for Rodney Parade
By Chris Kirwan (South Wales Argus)
BOSS Justin Edinburgh believes the signing of Jake Thomson will show the value of the Rodney Parade groundshare to Newport County fans.
The 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago midfielder penned a deal with the Exiles on Monday night along with powerful striker Jefferson Louis.
Thomson signed a one-year deal after catching Edinburgh’s eye when County locked horns with Forest Green Rovers in the Conference and FA Trophy last season.
And the manager believes the style of the former Southampton player is tailor-made for the Parade which, despite having to accommodate three teams, is likely to be a more favourable surface than that at the much-criticised Spytty Park.
“I’ve made no secret of the fact that the pitch forced us to go from the back to the front more quickly than we would have liked last season,” said Edinburgh.
“That will change because of the stadium move and Jake, who really understands this level of football, will be an important part of that.
“He is an excellent passer and will sit in front of the back four and get the ball moving.
“Jake likes to get it down and play and the likes of Lee Minshull, Max Porter and Lee Evans are all also good on the ball.”
Louis has had enough clubs to stretch over two pages on his CV – County are his 26th – but Edinburgh is also delighted to be reunited with the 33-year-old, who was under his control at Rushden and Diamonds in 2009.
“While his best season in terms of goals may have come at Wrexham (15 in 42 games), his best football came under me at Rushden,” said the manager, who attempted to bring the forward to Spytty Park at the end of last season only to be denied by budgetary constraints.
“I know Jefferson very well and he is a good character who loves his football and comes here after playing a big part in Lincoln moving away from the relegation zone.
“People may look at the amount of clubs that he has had but they should also take note of the goals that he has scored as well.
“Jefferson is big, physical and athletic so some presume he is just a target man, but not only does he bring his teammates into play but he knows how to find the back of the net.
“He is an experienced player who will be a big influence in the development of Jake Harris and Ryan Charles but, more importantly, he will play a major role himself out in the middle.”
The Exiles expect to rubber-stamp more signings over the coming week.
