Terry Butcher has spoken to the Official Newport County Website following the announcement of the released and retained list.
"It may seem like it's the end of an era, and I certainly sympathise with the players and fans" said Butcher. "A lot of the players that I've let go have been terrific servants for Newport County AFC, and I want to pay tribute to what they've achieved. I said that to them when I spoke to them.
Butcher says that releasing players is one of the toughest jobs a manager has. "It's always a really, really tough day when you say goodbye to good club servants" admits Butcher, "but their place in Newport County AFC history is well cemented now, that will stay and never ever change.
"It's been a difficult day and a difficult time, that's why I came back early. The players have been very good about it, very professional and very honest. We wish them every success in whatever club they go to. Every player can leave here with their head held high, and the message we'll be getting across to the players coming in, is that they've got big boots to fill."
But the former Inverness boss says he has to look to the future "We all have to move on, I've got ideas on the squad and what I want to do with it. We all know the budget is less than last season and I've got to make alterations to the squad. I've not got as much to play with this time.
"We've looked at the squad, we've looked at what we want to do and who we want to bring in. I can't name any names yet, but we want to change the dynamics of this squad as well. It's a time for change, a time for new ideas and new thoughts."
The new County manager is already getting excited about the players arriving for the start of pre-season. "The first day of pre-season is going to be an exciting one. I'm really looking forward to it already. The players will be looking around the dressing room thinking 'who's he', 'what's he done', 'what position does he play'.
"They'll be busting a gut from the off to get in the team which is brilliant."
Butcher also spoke about the players already contracted for the coming season, and says he feels he's already got a good quality of player on board. "We've got the start of the spine of the team here already, what we've got to do is bring players in around that. It's about getting the spine right, and making sure it's as strong as it can be."
The County boss is also hopeful that the trio of professionals offered deals to stay at Rodney Parade accept the terms on offer. "Darren Jones has been a big player for the club, Ryan Jackson is an exciting player and Andrew Hughes coming back from injury could be like a new signing to us" said Butcher.
"They've all been offered deals and we're in the process of discussing those with them."