Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh rules out loan signings

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Manager Justin Edinburgh says he is currently not planning to add to Newport County's squad.

The loan window opens this week but Edinburgh said he was not tempted to bring any further players to the club.

"I don't think that we'll be looking to do anything just yet," Edinburgh said.

"We're looking to get the players we have here out of the treatment room and onto the training ground. That's our focus."

Injuries have hampered Newport so far this season with Andy Sandell and Byron Anthony ruled out until the New Year.

Midfielder Max Porter is currently sidelined with a groin problem and free agent Ryan Burge was added to the squad as cover.

And Edinburgh hopes to have striker Aaron O'Connor back from injury in the next fortnight.

Newport's 100% home record was ended by Mansfield Town, who came back to claim a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade in League Two.

Chris Zebroski's first-half headed goal had given Newport the lead only for Sam Clucas to equalise in the second half.

And Edinburgh was critical of Newport's performance in a heated encounter against their fellow League Two newcomers.

"That's probably the worst we've played for a long period of time," Edinburgh said.

"[I'm] disappointed, not with the effort or commitment, I've never doubted that.

"But I didn't think we were brave enough or good enough in possession of the ball.

"I can't criticise them for the way they competed but we can certainly do better with the ball.

"I think we probably took our eye off what we're probably a bit better at and that's in possession of the ball.

Newport were reduced to 10 men when Lee Minshull was sent off for leading with his elbow on Martin Riley.

Mansfield also finished with 10 men after Matt Rhead received a second yellow card.

"It was a heated game," Edinburgh added.

"There was one or two incidents that were let go where I thought that if they were dealt with early on then the game wouldn't have got a little bit out of control."

"I know 100% that there will be no intent from Lee Minshull. He's had six stiches in an eye [injury], but the ref didn't see that elbow.

"I'm not going to criticise or comment because I haven't really seen it. But I will echo that there would be no intent from him [Minshull] whatsoever."