DC: “We’re respectful of Newport.”

Unsurprisingly the departure of Matt Green was the hot topic of conversation ahead of Saturday’s game with Newport County.

Matt Green: There were many variables to consider but ultimately the sale of MG was a business decision rather than a footballing one as you never want to lose a player who has been a fantastic servant and he will be missed dearly. Naturally, it would have been better if the deal went through in January but Salford were prepared to pay significantly more to do the deal now. The club has been self funding on the back of cup runs, player sales and promotion but to sustain success with a view to attracting the right new investors to get where ‘we’ want to be this was the right decision to make i.e. success on the pitch has to go hand in hand with a good business model off it. This ensures that City will go into the transfer window with an aggressive transfer budget so full credit to Clive Nates and the board for allowing DC to keep re-investing.

Replacement for MG: DC did not specify any new players and when asked about Shay McCartan simply said that SM is here for the season so expects him to remain after the transfer window. Reference by the media was made to Adebayo Smith getting more game time. DC said that AS had been training with the first team for a month and whilst he had excellent pace and athleticism he still had a lot of work to do on the technical and tactical aspects of the game.

Christmas Period: Small squad but very talented players will be able to cope with the four games in quick succession; Bruno Andrade and Bernard Mensah are capable of playing centrally in the absence of MG. DC showed his steel when asked what Christmas meant to him retorting that ‘Christmas is dead to me it is all about the football’, adding that hopefully, family time would come down the line.

Newport: Mike Flynn has done a fantastic job saving the club from relegation which he then backed up with good form last season, excellent cup runs and around the playoffs this term. Newport play aggressive front foot football with the correct style suited to their players which results in lots of goals. They will get the ball into the box, have good re-starts and a dangerous long throw.

Miscellaneous: Going forward the club is in the best position it has been regarding player recruitment, infrastructure and staff.

Writer: hulloutpost

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