STRIKER Of the eight Newport County AFC departing players, Omar Bogle is the most senior; four others are still pending contract negotiations.
The Exiles have issued their list of players that have been retained and dismissed. Talks about new contracts are still underway with veteran Scot Bennett, injured center-back Ryan Delaney, captain, and midfielders Aaron Wildig and Harry Charsley.
Bennett, a defender/midfielder, appeared in 56 games for Graham Coughlan’s team last season. In the FA Cup match against Manchester United, the 33-year-old made his 350th appearance for the team.
Talks are ongoing with the quartet; value will be crucial given the club’s limited budget. Coughlan has already made his decision with six of his squad from the previous season: goalkeeper Jonny Maxted, midfielder James Waite, defenders Declan Drysdale and Harrison Bright, and striker Omar Bogle and Offrande Zanzala. Defender Delaney was a key player in his first season in Newport until a knee injury ended the Irishman’s campaign in February.
Also leaving are goalkeeper Joe Day and midfielder Sam Bowen, who were on loan at Yeovil and Wealdstone throughout the season.
Top scorer Will Evans, who has 25 goals in 2024–25, is one of ten players whose contracts have been extended by one year, according to the Exiles.
Omar Bogle is departing the County. Huw Evans Agency image
Bogle departs after leading the team in scoring during his debut season (19 goals), but his 2023–24 campaign was marred by injuries (8 goals in 32 games).
During the course of their two seasons at the club, Zanzala and Drysdale both suffered from injuries, making 34 and 43 appearances, respectively.
Sebastopol-born midfielder Waite, who joined the Exiles in January 2022 after leaving Penybont in the Cymru Premier, was a bit part of the team this season even though he was often included in Graham Coughlan’s matchday roster.
Complete-back Due to injury, Bright was able to participate in the League Two play-offs, but the Blaenavon academy graduate, who had loan stints in the Cymru Premier with Pontypridd and Barry Town United, is no longer with the team.
Day was let go after making six appearances, and Maxted was signed as Nick Townsend’s backup last summer.
With the return of loanees Lewis Payne (Southampton), Adam Lewis (Liverpool), Matt Baker (Stoke), Matty Bondswell (Newcastle), and Seb Palmer-Houlden (Bristol City) to their parent clubs, Coughlan and owner Huw Jenkins will have a significant summer rebuild ahead of them.
County had an incredible season, playing much above their league level and qualifying for the League Two play-offs before a terrible run of eight straight losses ended the season.
In the Carabao Cup, they also forced Premier League Brentford to penalties. They also raised money with an FA Cup run that included a scare against Manchester United at Rodney Parade in the fourth round following victories over Oldham, Barnet, and Eastleigh.
