County sign up former Sheffield Wednesday man to boost new-look defence

NEWPORT County AFC have bolstered their defence by signing former Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Ciaran Brennan on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old, a Republic of Ireland international at age-grade level, heads to Rodney Parade after leaving the Owls.

Brennan had a short spell on loan with Hartlepool in the National League last season, making four appearances in December, after previously being sent out to get experience with Notts County and Swindon Town.

READ MORE: County sign left-back Glennon

The defender played in the National League for the Magpies in 2021 but was recalled to feature for Wednesday, making 11 outings in League One.

Now Brennan is heading for Newport to boost a new-look back line after the departures of captain Ryan Delaney, Declan Drysdale and defender/midfielder Scot Bennett.

SWITCH: Defender Ciaran Brennan, pictured on the right in action for Swindon against Cardiff, is heading for Newport County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

"I had a couple of offers from elsewhere," said Brennan. “Speaking to Huw about what he wants to do with the club moving forward, how he wants to play and the philosophy he wants to put in place was a massive attraction.

“I've got a relatively good idea of what League Two brings and I am ready to kick on now. I am ready to shine and show the fans that I can be one of the best players here.”

Brennan is County’s second summer signing after the Monday announcement of a move for left-back Anthony Glennon.

Owner Huw Jenkins is conducting the transfer business and is also now looking for a new head coach after the departure of manager Graham Coughlan.

The new boss will have a defence that currently has James Clarke, Kyle Jameson, Brennan and youngsters Josh Seberry and Nelson Sanca as central contenders.

Clarke and Seberry will be back after missing the end of last season through injury, which led to teenager Sanca getting a taste of League Two.

Jameson had an injury-hit first campaign in Newport and the left-footer will aim to string the games together under his new head coach.