Summer signings made to feel part of the Newport County family

The team spirit within the County camp has been key to the club’s success over the past two seasons and Amond is certain that will be the case again this year.

“I know how hard it is to move to a new club and you’re living in a hotel,” said the striker, who arrived from Hartlepool United in August 2017.

“But the lads, especially those living around the Newport area, have been very welcoming to the new boys.

“They’ve made sure that they take them out for food or bring them over to their house and that builds relationships on and off the pitch.

“When you have players who go the extra mile for you off the pitch, you’re going to go the extra mile for them on the pitch and if they’re under pressure you’re going to help them out.”

The Exiles lost goalkeeper Joe Day to Cardiff City and left-back Dan Butler to Peterborough United this summer and Amond admits that the pair will be missed.

But he’s certain that new arrivals like Ryan Haynes and George Nurse (above), who can play at left-back or left wing-back, and exciting forward Corey Whitely can thrive at Rodney Parade.

“Dan and Joe have got brilliant moves and I’m delighted for both of them because they’re really good lads,” said Amond.

“They have been a big miss around the dressing room every day, but the boys who have come in are good.

“I’m going to miss Dan’s delivery from the left side but the two left-backs we’ve signed have decent delivery as well.

“It’s about building relationships on the pitch now and those players will hopefully fit in and be successful for us, like Buts was and like Joe was.

“Corey looks very good as well and hopefully I’ll be in a position to get on the end of his through balls.”