Former Newport County captain Andrew Crofts joins Yeovil Town

The 35-year-old midfielder, who made just 12 appearances in an injury-ravaged season at Rodney Parade, has joined Yeovil Town in a player-coaching role.

Crofts has signed a one-year deal at Huish Park where he'll balance playing duties and a first team coaching role.

New Glovers boss Darren Sarll said: "To bring a player of Andrew's experience into the club at this time is a great coup.

“He still has a thirst and hunger for playing and winning promotions and it's refreshing to be part of the very early stages of his coaching career.

“He'll be a valuable asset to the squad both as a player and in terms of passing on his experience and knowledge to the younger members of the squad.”

Exiles boss Michael Flynn admitted it was a difficult decision to release Crofts last month.

The pair have been good friends since playing together at Gillingham between 2005 and 2007 and that relationship was a key factor in Crofts’ decision to move to Rodney Parade last summer.

Flynn made his old friend captain at the start of the 2018-2019 campaign and the signing was hailed as a coup for the Exiles.

“Croftsy is one of my best friends in football,” said the manager at the time.

“We’ve always kept in contact. He’s a gentleman and he’s somebody I trust a lot. So signing him was really a no-brainer.

“Andrew coming in is a massive signing for the club.

“He’s the ultimate professional and he’s in fantastic condition.”

But the move didn’t work out and Flynn reluctantly ended Crofts’ County career after just one season.

“It was a difficult decision because Andrew is someone who brings a lot of qualities to the squad, on and off the pitch,” said the manager last month.

“Over the last few weeks you could see in training that he was getting back to full fitness but, unfortunately, the games were just too important for us to be able to ease him back into the team.

“It’s a real shame that it didn’t work out but we sat down and had a good chat and we agreed that he needs to be playing closer to home at his age.

“He’s a great professional and he understands the situation. He goes with our best wishes.”

Yeovil, who were relegated from League Two to the National League last season, also confirmed this week that former County defender Gary Warren has left the club after having his contract terminated by mutual consent.

Arriving at Huish Park last summer, the 34-year-old had one-year left on his deal but departs 12 months early to become a free agent.

Warren, who returned closer to his Bristol roots following a spell with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, made 28 appearances for the Glovers in a campaign interrupted by injury.