Sheehan and Ledley among players released by Newport
JOSH Sheehan and Joe Ledley are both on the way out of Newport County after the Exiles failed to gain promotion in this week’s League Two play-off final.
After the heartbreak of losing 1-0 to Morecambe at Wembley, County fans have now received another bitter blow with the loss of Welsh international Sheehan, who could be on his way to Bolton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old Sheehan is out of contract this summer and was only ever likely to extend his stay at Rodney Parade if Newport gained promotion.
He could link up with fellow Welsh cap Declan John at Bolton after the Swansea City left back was let go by his parent club after spending the second-half of the season at Wanderers.
Wales veteran Ledley was taken to bolster the squad yup to the end of the season and could now be poised to hang up his boots after a stellar career. He made four appearances for County and was on the bench at Wembley.
Also among the players released by County is Wales squad goalkeeper Tom King, who had forced his way back into the side in the latter stages of the season. He will leave after making 52 appearances since joining in the summer of 2019.
County have retained only five players, Dom Telford, Matty Dolan, Nick Townsend, Padraig Amond and Priestley Farquharson, but have offered new contracts to skipper Joss Labadie, Lewis Collins, Liam Shephard, Mickey Demetriou and Ryan Haynes. They have also invoked a one year extension on the contract of Scot Bennett.
Three academy scholars have been offered professional contracts - Joe Woodiwiss, Lewys Twamley and Ryan Hillier – and contract discussion are on-going with Aaron Lewis and Kevin Ellison and well as returning loan players Robbie Willmott and Tristan Abrahams.
As well as Sheehan, Ledley and King, also leaving the club are Ashley Baker, Corey Whitely, Daniel Leadbitter, David LongeKing, Jack Evans, Kyle Howkins and Ryan Taylor. Loan players returning to parent clubs are Anthony Hartigan, Jake Scrimshaw, Luke Gambin and Nicky Maynard.
Meanwhile, Flynn’s first signing of the summer was completed yesterday when the 25-yearold former Walsall defender Cameron Norman signed a twoyear deal.
Norman launched his career at hometown club Norwich City and progressed through the Canaries’ academy ranks, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2013 before signing his first professional contract a year later.
“It’s a huge signing for us and we’ve beaten off competition from elsewhere. He’s played in League One before, he’s a good age and committed to moving to the area,” said County boss, Flynn.
“As soon as I spoke to him, I wanted to make it clear that he was my number one target, so I wanted to get over the line. I’m delighted that he’s chosen to play for Newport County AFC and he will add massive value to the football club.”