FORMER Newport County AFC defender Regan Poole will be a better player after a year in League One with Northampton Town, according to Cobblers boss Justin Edinburgh.
Poole, who left County for Manchester United in 2015, has swapped Old Trafford for Sixfields as he links up once again with former Exiles boss Edinburgh in a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old centre-back got 90 minutes against County in Saturday’s pre-season friendly and Edinburgh believes he will be a big hit at Northampton.
“I think with Regan what we’re finding is that we’re getting him back to men’s football,” said the Cobblers manager.
“He went from Newport to Manchester United and obviously he’s been bedded in there and now he needs to get back to competitive action.
“No disrespect to Manchester United or under-23s football but anyone will tell you that it’s a very non-competitive game.
“And we know in League One and League Two that certainly isn’t the case!
“It’s just adjusting his mind-set and getting him back to being involved and competitive but he’ll pick that up no doubt.
“He’s a quality player and he’s going to be a big asset to us this season.”
But Edinburgh can see the teenager has progressed since making his debut for his County side as a 16-year-old in 2014.
“He’s always had a fantastic temperament. I spoke about that when we brought him into the first team [at County],” he said.
“You observe people and you can tell when they’re ready for it.
“But I think he’s grown in stature physically, he’s more mature and he understands a little bit more of the game.
“And what will be a positive for him this year will be game-time in a first team environment, which is really important in the development of any player.”
Poole held his own against new Exiles front man Frank Nouble (above) on Saturday but Edinburgh believes the striker will be a success in Newport.
“I had Frank at Gillingham and I think Flynny and Hats have got him in good shape,” he added.
“I spoke highly of Frank, he was a good lad to work with and I think he’ll be a real asset to Newport.
“And it’s good to see Robbie [Willmott] back at the club.
“A few players left the football club far too early in my opinion.
“Everyone at the football club knows what he’s capable of and I think he showed that in glimpses [on Saturday].”
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