NEWPORT County boss Terry Butcher is confident he’s signed a winner in striker Scott Boden, because most of County’s squad have endorsed his arrival.

The 25-year-old negotiated a release from his two-year contract with FC Halifax Town in order to become Butcher’s tenth signing of an extremely busy summer.

A consistent goalscorer in non-league football – he got 10 in 38 for the Shaymen last term - Boden’s qualities have already been recognised by his new teammates, according to the ex-England defender.

“Most of the players already know Scott, they’ve played with him or they have played against him and they know all about his pedigree and are excited he’ll be in our squad,” Butcher told Argus Sport.

“Scott is a player we’ve heard and seen nothing but good things about and feel he really fits the profile of what we are trying to achieve. I was pleased to hear the boys excited by his arrival.

“His movement and his technical ability has impressed us and most of all the fact that he was desperate to come here and show what he can do.

“That’s the attitude we want from all our players.”

Butcher admits Boden is a way behind the rest of the squad in terms of his fitness, but believes he still has the confidence to hit the ground running.

“In terms of the work we’ve been doing here, I’ve said I want us to be the fittest team in the league, well Scott isn’t at that same stage yet,” Butcher explained.

“Everyone speaks highly of Scott’s attitude and desire and he’s technically a good player, so it’s just getting him up to speed with the fitness.

“Scott is desperate to do well here and we’ll catch him up as fast as we can. He won’t feature this week, but it shouldn’t be too long.”

Former Macclesfield and Sheffield United striker Boden has also impressed Butcher with his ability to play in various attacking roles.

“I think we see Scott as an option to lead the line, if that is what is required, or to play in a forward line as part of a two or even a three,” he confirmed.

“He could certainly play a bit deeper in that number 10 role and he likes to work the channels as well.”

Butcher is still looking for new recruits but admits he might take stock of the way the market is moving as he plans his next arrival.

“The situation is changing, it has been relatively quiet and suddenly we are inundated with agents offering us players,” he confirmed.

“Transfer deadline day is like football’s black Friday, when everyone is looking for maximum value, but players seem to already be reducing their demands from a few weeks ago.

“But it’s not a great time necessarily to sign anyone, it’s maybe the time to do our research and decide what to do. We still have spaces in the squad and we still have options.

“I can’t say how many more players we will sign, but I do expect to sign more players to arrive.”