AARON O’CONNOR has admitted he feared for weeks that he was facing the axe at Newport County, after the club parted with 13 senior players.

O’Connor, County’s top scorer in two of his three seasons at Rodney Parade, was among the highest earners in Justin Edinburgh’s squad following his free transfer signing from Luton Town. He penned a new two-year deal in summer 2013.

O’Connor’s goals this term helped County to a top ten finish in League Two, a great result considering the Exiles’ pre—season expectations, although a frustrating one in the sense that they contended for promotion throughout the campaign.

And O’Connor admits the players didn’t know if they were coming or going in the final weeks of the season, especially after Edinburgh’s departure.

“We were getting a lot of mixed information, some people saying we were all going to go, some saying we would stay but only if we got promoted,” he said.

“It was hard to know what to believe really and who was telling the truth and obviously we ended up not making the play-offs.

“But I think a lot of the players were worried about their futures.”

O’Connor doesn’t include himself in the latter category.

“I was surprised to see so many of the players told they weren’t wanted, but I wasn’t surprised for myself,” he said.

“Sometimes you just that little feeling and when my mum asked me a few weeks back if I felt in my heart like I’d stay, I told her I couldn’t see it.

“I wanted to stay, but being told I couldn’t didn’t come as a great shock.”

O’Connor insists he has no ill-feelings towards new boss Butcher.

“He’s got a big challenge, it might be tough having let so many players leave, but in a way it’ll make things easier in terms of stamping his own authority on things,” he said.

“The conversation between us was alright, cordial enough and he thanked me for everything I had done for the club and that I would always be welcome back.”

O’Connor is at least pleased the club on a high.

“If I’d have left last summer after a year on the sidelines, I’d be a lot more worried,” he said. “But there is no panic, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’ve already had some enquiries. My agent is dealing with it, but I think it is seven or eight clubs.”

And O’Connor, no stranger in his time to controversy, has a parting message for County’s fans.

“They were always amazing with me, they are the reason we are so lucky to do this job we do,” he said.

“I know I upset some people along the way, I’m a big believer in freedom of speech! But I’ve learned some lessons as well.

“But overall, I had a great relationship with the County fans and some of the goodbye messages have been overwhelming from people. It’s a lot nicer than getting abuse off Luton fans!”