NEW signing Matty Dolan wants to help Newport County AFC develop a winning habit as he prepares for his competitive debut at Stevenage on Saturday.

Dolan is set to replace the departed Mark Randall in the heart of the Exiles midfield for the season opener at the Lamex Stadium.

And, after impressing in pre-season, the former Yeovil Town playmaker is determined to help County steer clear of another relegation battle in League Two.

Michael Flynn’s finished 22nd in the table last season, just as they had under Warren Feeney the year before.

They completed the Great Escape with a thrilling last-gasp victory over Notts County on the final day in May but Dolan doesn’t want a repeat this time round.

“After last season, nobody wants to be in that positon again,” said the 24-year-old.

“Although it was fantastic, I’m sure going into the last game we’d rather be looking higher up the table than trying to survive.

“We’ll take that momentum from last season and the pre-season performances into Saturday against Stevenage.

“You don’t want to put any limits on it,” he added when asked how high the club could aim.

“Even in pre-season we’ve developed a winning habit, and we’re getting the right mentality among the group, they are a bunch of winners.

“But, as much as winning is a habit in football, losing can become a habit, so we need to make sure we develop good habits now, keep our standards high and press on.”

Dolan has been joined by fellow new recruits Frank Nouble, Lamar Reynolds, Robbie Willmott, David Pipe, Shawn McCoulsky and Ben White at Rodney Parade this summer and he’s certain that the Exiles squad has improved.

“There’s goals all over the pitch,” he said.

“Big Frank up top did very well against Northampton [last Saturday] and Lamar is exciting everybody in pre-season.

“The new boys have come in but the core from last season has been kept and that’s massive for this club.

“Hopefully the new lads will make a better squad and we’ll push up the league.”

Flynn has described Dolan as “technically one of the best midfielders in the league” and the former Middlesbrough trainee is convinced he can make a big impact in Newport.

“I enjoyed my time at Yeovil, I had a really good spell there,” he said.

“But the manager here had a lot of enthusiasm to bring me in and in any job it’s nice to feel wanted.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it since I’ve come here.

“He said to me to get on the ball and create things and hopefully chip in with my fair share of goals as well.

“Obviously it’s about making sure we’re doing everything as a team but also chipping in individually.

“I set myself a target every year but I keep that between me and the gaffer.

“I’m just looking to get out there and express myself.”