NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn signed four players last week and he hopes to add another five or six before the League Two season starts.

Flynn brought in defender Fraser Franks, midfielder Charlie Cooper, winger Keanu Marsh-Brown and striker Jamille Matt last week.

The quartet were the first new arrivals of the summer but they won’t be the last as the Exiles boss continues to plan for the new campaign.

Pre-season training begins on Thursday and Flynn hopes to have added one or two more new faces before then, with another three or four to come before the big kick-off at Mansfield Town on August 4.

“I’m happy with our first four signings,” said the County manager.

“It was a little bit slow off the mark but I’m always trying to bring the right football players to the football club and what we can afford within budget.

“We’re not one of the biggest clubs in the league but what we will try to do is bring the right people to the club and hopefully that’s what I’m starting to do.

“It was a positive week but we’ll only realise how positive it is when the season starts.

“We’ll start work when we’re back in on Thursday and it will be good to get everyone together. Hopefully there might be one or two others to join in.”

Asked how many more players he would like to add to his squad, Flynn said: “If I’m honest I think I probably need another five or six.

“Obviously they’re not all going to be permanent. There will be a couple of loans in that.

“It’s so far so good but there’s still work to do,” he added.

“I haven’t stopped this summer. I’ve been constantly talking to people, watching clips, speaking to agents and players and speaking to the board.

“I think the first week of my holiday I might as well not have gone because I was on the phone that much trying to organize and put things in place. The wife nearly sent me home!”

Despite bringing in former Blackpool striker Matt, the manager is still keen to strengthen up front.

Matt, Padraig Amond and academy graduate Momodou Touray are the only strikers in the current squad of 17 players.

“I’m looking for another two strikers but they’re going to have to be loans,” said Flynn.

“Hopefully we can get another Shawn McCoulsky who can chip in with double figures.

“I don’t think we’ll get another Ben White – he was exceptional – but we’re trying.

“I’ll try to bring the best players I can to this football club, without breaking the bank.”

McCoulsky, who hit 11 goals in 35 appearances last season, is reported to have recovered from the heart condition that prematurely ended his time at County in April.

The 21-year-old is expected to take a full part in pre-season with Bristol City and could even face the Exiles in a friendly on July 11.