NORTHAMPTON Town manager Chris Wilder has gone against the tide of popular opinion in League Two by praising the way Newport County AFC play, writes Andrew Penman.

The vast majority of the division’s opposition managers and supporters have labelled Justin Edinburgh’s men as bully-boys and long ball merchants since their promotion from the Conference in 2013.

Only last week, as his side climbed to third in the table with victory over Portsmouth, Edinburgh launched a verbal attack on two Portsmouth News journalists who had gone along with the stereotype in their pre-match preview.

But, speaking ahead of County’s trip to Northampton this coming Saturday, Wilder has bucked the trend.

“I have a lot of respect for Newport,” said the Cobblers boss.

“They play the right way and have done really well this season. They were excellent down at their place.”

County raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Chris Zebroski, Darren Jones and Lee Minshull when the sides met at Rodney Parade in September.

The visitors pulled it back to 3-2 with late goals from Lawson D’Ath and Marc Richards but were well beaten on the day.

It’s been a busy few weeks for Wilder as defender Gregor Robertson became the sixth Northampton player in the last fortnight to leave the club after having his contract terminated.

The 31-year-old joined the League Two club just under a year ago and made 39 appearances.

"As with Emile Sinclair, Gregor came in and did a good job," Wilder told the club website.

"We are now looking to move on and it is in Gregor's best interests to move on and play regular football."

Kelvin Langmead, Ricky Ravenhill, David Moyo, Connor Roberts and Sinclair have also left the club this month.

Wilder added: "We are aware the recent exits have left us a little short on numbers, but we do have a couple of additions in the pipeline to boost us.

"Gregor is an excellent professional and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes. It is another tough decision, but a decision made to help take us forward."

Striker Sinclair has now signed for League Two rivals York City.

He could make his debut for the Minstermen in Saturday's home game against Burton Albion.