Newport County manager Graham Coughlan continued his quiet rebuild of the squad at the weekend as he prepares for another campaign in League Two.

The County boss made his third signing of the summer when he landed midfielder Bryn Morris from Grimsby.

Morris joins previous new recruits Kyle Jameson, who arrived from Tranmere Rovers, and Nathan Wood, who left Penybont, in pre-season work at Rodney Parade.

Morris recently became a free agent after his departure from Grimsby.

But County and Coughlan have lost defender Priestley Farquharson, who has rejected a new deal and moved instead to League Two rivals, Walsall.

Morris has signed a two-year contract at Rodney Parade after the 27-year-old has made 200 senior appearances, including 42 in his one season at Grimsby.

“Bryn is a great addition,” said Coughlan.

“He has a lot of experience and will give us additional ball control in the middle of the park.

“He has a great engine which will fit into how we play. He is also a great character who displays strong leadership qualities, so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

But centre-back Farquharson – who was linked with League One and Championship clubs last season – has moved on after turning down the terms on offer at County.

“The move here (to Wallsall) felt right,” said Farquharson. “Every time I have played here, it’s been a tough place to come and that toughness, winning mentality is built in me and I know I can bring that here.

“[Head coach] Mat Sadler and I had a few conversations and everything he said aligned with my goals and aspirations.”

Farquharson was signed from Connah’s Quay Nomads by former County manager Michael Flynn after impressing in the Cymru Premier and played 38 matches in all competitions last season.

He played a part in the 2020/21 promotion push, coming off the bench in the Wembley play-off defeat to Morecambe.

“I’m delighted to get Priestley,” said Sadler.

“He’s someone we’ve worked hard to get over the line and we’re absolutely delighted to secure his services.

“Priestley is a man mountain of a guy, he’s extremely mobile, really quick and fits the demands of the division really well.

“He defends well, he’s comfortable in one-v-one situations. I played against him in his first season in English football at Newport and straight away I was struck by the athleticism of him.

“He’s a front foot defender who loves to defend but also likes to step in and dribble as well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing his aggressive style of play.

“He’s so hungry to get better, so hungry to improve and better himself each and every day. It’s that hunger in a player that I am after in all the players that I’m looking to sign.”