Newport County add much needed depth at right back with the addition of Southampton loanee.

Graham Coughlan has finally added another option at right wing back in the form of Lewis Payne on a season long loan from Southampton. 

Lewis has come through the Southampton academy from a very young age and has played predominantly for the u21 side in the Premier League 2 competition. He played against County last season when Southampton visited Rodney Parade in the Papa John's Trophy. He started as captain that night as his side fell to a 2-1 loss thanks to goals from Omar Bogle and James Waite. He made his senior debut for the saints in last season's league cup when he started in their 3-0 win in the second round against Cambridge United. He even got the assist for the opening goal as he set up Che Adams to score. 

He has spent a short period of time at the start of the year at Eastleigh in the National League and helped the side to a 9th place finish 4 points behind Bromley and the playoffs. This will be his first full year in a senior football environment and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can adapt to senior football compared to the u21 system.

Lewis will add much required depth at right wing back and will go up against Shane McLoughlin for the shirt at right back. Shane has started the season in the position and has looked good in my opinion with a great engine to get up and down and has shown a bit of quality in the final third with crosses. This signing might also free up Shane to play in the center of midfield where he can also play and has had success in the past.

Graham Coughlan is delighted to strengthen at right wing back “Lewis is a great utility player, he’s adventurous and will open up that (Right) side of the pitch.” he said. “He’ll give us some great options through his versatility and looking at him, he can play three or four positions. “We of course are still searching and seeking that key striker, but if I can pick up and decorate the rest of the team along the way, that’s what I’ll do. I’m looking forward to working with Lewis in the upcoming campaign.”

Lewis can't wait to play at Newport “I played against Newport last year, playing in front of the fans, on the pitch was a great experience.” Explained Payne. I’m really excited to get going and get amongst the lads.”

Welcome Lewis!