Midfielder turns down EFL offers for National League move after leaving County

MIDFIELDER Harry Charsley has signed for Oldham Athletic after leaving Newport County AFC.

The 27-year-old was initially in negotiations with the Exiles at the end of last season but he has opted for a fresh challenge in the National League.

Charsley was signed in January 2023 by then manager Graham Coughlan, who he had worked under at Mansfield.

The midfielder's exit was always on the cards once Coughlan left his role, with owner Huw Jenkins leading contract negotiations and targeting up and coming talent.

Of the four players the Exiles were talking to, only Aaron Wildig has re-signed with defender Ryan Delaney leaving for Swindon and midfielder Scot Bennett heading for Cheltenham.

Charsley made 55 appearances for County but the Everton academy graduate will now return to the north west of England with the Latics, turning down Football League offers to play under Micky Mellon.

SWITCH: Harry Charsley has left County for Oldham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It is a really exciting time to be joining Oldham and I can’t wait for the season to start,” said Charsley.

“I had other offers from clubs from higher divisions during the summer but the ambitions here were clear from my conversations with Micky Mellon and I’m delighted to be part of it.

“I’ve had two days of training with the squad, the standard and intensity has been excellent and I’m very excited about the season ahead.”

Charsley made his mark at County with his clever runs to the box, although his time at Rodney Parade was hindered by niggles.

He made 39 appearances last season with 27 of them as a starter; he scored five goals in League Two and provided two assists.

“Harry is a really clever player and we’ve worked really hard to get him,” said Mellon. “He had opportunities to stay in the EFL but when we spoke to him and told him what we want to do at Oldham, he happily agreed to join us.

“We want him to be part of what we achieve here. We were clear in where we needed to strengthen and signing Harry is a huge positive for us.”

County's squad for the coming campaign currently features Bryn Morris, Wildig, new boy Kai Whitmore and teenage academy graduate Jac Norris as midfielders with Nathan Wood, Oliver Greaves and Michael Spellman as more attacking options.