Former Celtic favourite Joe Ledley has signed for EFL League Two side Newport County. The 34-year-old central midfielder was an integral part of Neil Lennon’s side during his first stint as manager but was looking for a new club after failing to agree a contract extension with A-League side Newcastle Jets last year. With 77 caps to his name, Ledley arrives with a wealth of experience from his time in the English leagues as well as in Scotland.
Speaking to the Newport County website, Ledley revealed he had other offers but wanted to repay the Welsh side for letting him use their facilities as he looked for a new club.
“I had a few offers in League Two but they weren’t for me because Newport was the one.
“I wanted to repay them for what they did for me when I first came here by letting me use their facilities and letting me train. That goes a long way in football.
“I spoke to Gavin (Foxall) and Flyny and they asked me to come, so why not? All I would be doing is exercising by myself and watching the results on a Saturday, so it’s a no-brainer and hopefully I can help this club go forward.
“They’ve got a great set of fans too, so it was all about coming here and helping the boys get over the line.”
Ledley, who won three league titles, a Scottish cup and reached the Champions League last 16 at Celtic, may see the move as a step-down from what a player of his calibre might have been likely to expect. However, he says that he is focusing on getting game time and helping Newport achieve promotion to League One.
Following his departure from Celtic, Ledley became a mainstay in the Crystal Palace team before joining Derby County in 2017. His career tailed off after leaving Palace but Ledley admitted to Si Ferry last year that he never wanted to leave Celtic and his time in Glasgow was the best of his career.
All the best, Joe!
