Newport swoop to sign up Amond

NEWPORT County AFC have completed the signing of striker Padraig Amond from Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

Amond, above, has joined the Exiles in time for Saturday’s homecoming match at Rodney Parade against Chesterfield and will be available for selection.

The 29-year-old has a fine record in League Two securing an impressive 45 goals in his previous 90 games at the likes of Accrington and Morecambe, while he also played a major role in helping Grimsby to promotion in the 2016 National League play-off final.

Manager Michael Flynn said: “This is a big signing for us. I’d really like to thank Gavin Foxall and Alex Tunbridge for helping get this over the line.

“We have been tracking Podge since we started our recruitment campaign but we thought the deal was dead when the first offer was refused. Hartlepool were understandably reluctant to let him go.

“To get a call out of the blue from (Hartlepool boss) Craig Harrison last Wednesday saying Padraig could go was a pleasant surprise.

“We worked on the deal over the weekend and I was delighted to get it over the line before the game on Tuesday.

“It’s great to get Padraig in. He will add goals and experience and is a great character around the dressing room. This deal also shows the club is going in the right direction as we can sign a player for an undisclosed fee within the budget.”

Amond began his career at Shamrock Rovers before a spell in Portugal with Pacos de Ferreira.

He said: “I’m very pleased to have got (this deal done). It’s an exciting thing for me to be back in the Football League. Speaking to the manager, he has some very good plans for the club and I want to be part of it.”