NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney will begin rebuilding his squad this week after the Exiles ended the League Two campaign with another defeat.

County were beaten 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday to finish in 22nd place in the table – nine points above the bottom two – after a run of 11 games without a win.

Dons substitute Toyosi Olusanya was brought down by Ben Davies and beat Exiles goalkeeper Rhys Taylor from the spot to seal the win for Neal Ardley’s men.

Feeney will reveal the players to be offered new contracts and those to be released on Tuesday or Wednesday and hopes to bring in new signings before too long.

“It’s been a long season,” he said. “Our objective was to stay up and we’ve done that. It’s about rebuilding now.

“The hard work starts now. It’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it.

“I want to get deals done as soon as possible. Players will wait but if we can get that head start on other clubs we’ll try to do that.”

Asked when he will speak to his squad about contracts for next season, Feeney said: “I think I’ll tell the players on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“I made the decisions a while ago, to be honest. I gave players a chance. Some changed my mind but I know what I need and I know what’s out there.

“I want to bring my own players in and that’s what I’ll get judged on.

“I have a budget there and I intend to spend the lot of it on the right players.”

Meanwhile, Feeney says he knows nothing about rumours linking him to the Dundee United job.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that he is a contender to replace Mixu Paatelainen, who was sacked by the Tangerines last week following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Feeney knows United well having spent the 2008-2009 season on loan at Tannadice from Cardiff City.

But leading bookmakers are not currently offering odds on him returning to Scotland and when asked about the link on Saturday he said: “I don’t know [about] that.

“I just came here to concentrate on the game today and keeping us in the league.”

Feeney added: “I’m enjoying my time here. It’s been difficult but I learned a lot at my previous club Linfield.

“It was very demanding but here is great for me as well.

“I don’t shy away from anything in coming in and trying to keep a team in the League.

“I’ve done that and it sets us up with a good backbone for next year.”

Former County manager Terry Butcher is quoted as 33/1 to take over at Dundee United but the clear favourite is Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon.

United asked Raith for permission to speak to McKinnon on Saturday night but the Fife club rejected the approach.