Corey Whitely says he’s excited to learn from County strikers Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt after starring alongside them in yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town.
Whitely drew praise from supporters and manager Michael Flynn post-match after a stellar display both when providing support from the left flank and also in the number 10 position.
Amond and Matt – who hit 43 goals last season – picked up where they left off by combining for the matchwinner on the hour when Matt’s calm finish was enough to pick up a win against League One opposition.
And Whitely admits he’s already been seeking advice from County’s lethal front two as he prepares to embark on his debut season as a Football League player.
Here, you can read everything Whitely told iFollow Exiles following the conclusion of the 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town.
On pre-season victory over Shrewsbury Town…
"I’m chuffed with that [knowing Michael Flynn picked me out as the best player of the match].
"I’m buzzing that the manager has thought that about me. I thought we played really well; the boys kept the ball well against a League One team who had a good season last season.
"I’m starting to get to know the boys better now, starting to gel a little bit, knowing how certain players like to play and I’m fitting in pretty well, I think."
On how he’s settled into the squad following his summer transfer…
"The boys are a good bunch of lads and they’ve welcomed me in really well.
"We were out in Spain last week and we had a good time together. They’ve been excellent with me.
"Fitness wise, I think we’re getting there. We’ve done a lot of running and the boys are feeling fit.
"I think it’s a few more runs and then by next week we’ll start getting the footballs out more and start working on patterns of play and set pieces and stuff like that before the season starts."
On what he can bring to Newport County AFC…
"My game has always been about keeping it on the floor and keeping the ball moving.
"I’m not really a physical sort of player because I like to try and keep the ball, so I feel like I’ve fitted into this team pretty well. We’ve got a lot of technical players in the middle and I think it’s ideal for my game that players can find me in the pockets.
"The gaffer knows my game already, he knows my strong points. He just tells me to get on the ball as much as I can.
"He doesn’t really mind where I find the ball as long as I can get the ball into the pockets to try and move the team forward."
On learning from fellow attackers Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt in training…
"I’m learning off them [Podge and Jamma] all the time. I’m just trying to build partnerships with them.
"I’m sure I’ll get a couple of goals this season and some assists as well.
"I’ve been speaking to them a lot and they have been educating me about the way they play and how the league is as well. They just keep telling me to keep the ball moving, keep it quick, don’t dilly-dally on the ball and I’ve just got to adapt that to my game now."
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