The Exiles secure loan signing of Deane Smalley from Plymouth Argyle…
Newport County AFC can today announce the loan signing of striker Deane Smalley until the end of the season.
The striker joins from fellow Sky Bet League Two side Plymouth Argyle.
The twenty-seven year old forward began his career at Oldham Athletic, making his Football League debut back in 2007.
From Oldham, Deane had loan spells at both Rochdale and Chesterfield, before eventually deciding on a move to Oxford United at the conclusion of the 2010/11 season.
While at Oxford United Deane teamed up with Bradford City, making just over ten appearances during a loan spell at Valley Parade. He made the switch to Plymouth in the summer of 2014 and suffered a cruciate ligament injury that ruled the striker out for eleven months.
The highly-rated striker returned to the first-team fold at Plymouth Argyle in November and now joins the Exiles on loan.
“Deane is a player that I know very well,” said Manager Warren Feeney.
“He is a player that wants to get out playing games and I know that there was a couple of clubs that were interested in him.”
“I am really pleased that we have managed to secure him, as I believe he is a good quality striker.”
Speaking after signing the paperwork on the loan deal, Deane said, “I have known Warren for quite a few years, back from my time at Oldham Athletic.”
“Warren knows me as a player and hopefully I can prove what I am about during my time here.”
“I have obviously been out for a long while with my injury last year, but over the last few months I have been training really well.”
“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to break into the team at Plymouth, but Warren has been in contact to bring me here, so hopefully I get some game time and start doing well for the Club.”
Deane’s loan deal will last for the remainder of our Sky Bet League Two campaign and the striker will be eligible for Saturday’s fixture against Dagenham and Redbridge at Rodney Parade, subject to the Club receiving international clearance.