Newport County AFC held a press conference at 3pm today to announce that Marlon Jackson, Joe Day, Mark O'Brien and David Pipe had signed new deals whilst also announcing the return of Robbie Willmott. Mark O'Brien and Marlon Jackson were out of the country but the others joined Manager Michael Flynn to share their delight at signing for the Club.
Robbie Willmott has expressed his delight at re-signing for Newport County AFC, writes Ryan Robinson.
The 27-year-old re-joins the Exiles after a successful first stint and has penned a two-year-deal.
Willmott was part of the squad that sealed promotion to the Football League in 2013 and says he is proud to be back at the club.
“I’m delighted,” he said.
“This is a club I love and it feels that I’m back where I should be. I’m glad to be back in the Football League, especially as it is with Newport County.”
Alongside Willmott, County have also bolstered the squad with the news that Joe Day, David Pipe, Marlon Jackson and Mark O’Brien have all signed new contracts after their efforts in the ‘Great Escape.’
Day, currently County’s longest serving player, has also signed for the next two seasons and says the decision to stay on was never in doubt.
“Once I knew the deal was on the table, it was an easy decision to make,” he said.
“We had a fantastic end to the season and that made it easier for me to stay. A two-year-deal suits everyone and I’m excited to get into next season.”
He added: “Momentum is huge and we can build on last season – I’m feeling really positive. We can build on last season and take confidence from the performances in those final 12 games.
“To have the continuity of David and Mark signing deals means you get more consistency. Keeping the core of the squad is massive moving forward.
“For me personally, I feel like I’ve built a great relationship with the fans. I’ve always felt supported.
“A huge factor in me staying was knowing that that support was there. There’s a feel good factor going around the club.
“I feel I have had three good seasons here. I’ve enjoyed it and the manager getting the job was a big factor in staying here.
“The feel good factor we’ve created can be built on and I’m really positive it will be a good season.”
David Pipe has re-joined the Exiles on a one-year-deal following the completion of his loan-spell.
He said: “I wouldn’t even consider it a choice [to stay], it was a must.
“My passion and desire for this football club has never changed and I’m delighted to sign.
“It’s now about progressing as a team. Even though what we did last season was special, we can’t cling on to that. It’s all about now and we need to be positive and build on what we did.”
Marlon Jackson has also committed to a one-year-contract and believes the club can progress next season.
He said: “It was play-off form towards the end of the season, if not promotion so we have to keep going. If we do keep it going, then it’s a big boost.
“It helps that I’m back now from injury so I can go straight into next season fit. I can do a lot more work in the off-season in preparation.
“I believe the gaffer can get the best out of me and I’m going to come back next season ready to go.”
Exiles manager Mike Flynn has also expressed his delight at getting the deals over the line.
“I want players who will put there all into this football club,” he added.
“We need players who are 100% committed and you don’t have to look further than these players.
He continued: “Marlon was very unlucky when he got injured because he came into a really good vein of form. He’s a handful and he wants to improve and that’s the kind of player we need.
“David loves the club. He’s a professional on and off the field and his experience will be vital for us next season.
“With Joe, I know we’ve got the best goalkeeper in the league. I’m over the moon because he was outstanding all season.
“Mark O’Brien is one of the best defenders in the league. He does what I want from defenders and he trains 100% every day, hasn’t got an attitude or ego and is a big boost for us.
“Next season, I want to create more chances and score more goals and Robbie gives me not only that but he can also play in 4/5 different positions because he’s an intelligent footballer and I’m really pleased to get him on board. He creates goals.”
See these players in action next Season.