FORMER Newport County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh is reportedly still keen to tempt Exiles captain and player-of-the-year Mark Byrne away from Rodney Parade.

Edinburgh, now manager at League One Gillingham, wanted to sign Byrne in January but decided against a bid at the last minute.

And Kent Online reports that the County skipper, who was last week voted Argus player of the year after picking up seven club awards, is still high on Edinburgh’s summer wish list.

With last season’s Gills skipper Doug Loft departing, Byrne is be an ideal replacement.

Exiles boss Warren Feeney has offered his star man a new deal but, when asked about the player, Edinburgh said: “He is definitely someone I would like to bring into the football club.”

And he has previously spoken of his admiration for a player who he first signed on loan for Rushden & Diamonds from Nottingham Forest.

In January Edinburgh said: “He is someone I know very well.

“I think he is a fantastic player and someone who would add a lot to the squad."

Explaining his decision not to move for the player in January, he added: “I have still got a lot of respect for the football club down there and they gave me an opportunity. I just felt it wasn’t the right thing to do, to take their best player."

But he added: “He is someone I am interested in and he is well on my radar."

Byrne is one of eight players currently considering contract offers from Feeney.

The others are Andrew Hughes, Darren Jones, Danny Holmes, Alex Rodman, Scott Boden, John-Christophe Ayina and Medy Elito.

Striker Dean Morgan – one of eight players to be released last week – has found a new club.

The 32-year-old Montserrat international, who scored one goal in nine appearances after his arrival from Italian side US Ancona in February, has signed for Icelandic outfit Throttur FC.

Former County players David Pipe and Lenny Pidgeley have both been released by Forest Green Rovers after Sunday's National League play-off final defeat to Grimsby Town at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Sunday's club golf day in aid of Prostate Cancer UK raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

The event took place at Tredegar Park Golf Club, and was part of the fundraising efforts by the County in the Community staff for the Football to Amsterdam cycle challenge in June.

Feeney and his assistant Andy Todd were part of the field of 34 players that supported the event.

Organiser David Lewis said: “The day was a huge success, raising £1,000 for a great cause.

“I am extremely thankful to all who took part alongside the various sponsors and donators who kindly invested in the day.

“Also, a big thank you to all the staff at Tredegar Park Golf Club who made the day run so smoothly.”