NEWPORT IoW boss Steve Tate has secured his third summer signing - with a little help from newly appointed player/assistant manager Taffy Richardson.

The Dr Martens Eastern Division club have swooped for tenacious, little left-winger Lee Chudy, who played alongside Richardson and Newport's other midfield signing, Glenn Howes, as a youngster at Basingstoke Town.

A skilful midfielder/wing-back, Chudy started his career with Crystal Palace as a schoolboy and was also a trainee with Nottingham Forest and Reading.

He moved to Wokingham Town and then on to Basingstoke, Staines and Cove before joining Combined Counties League outfit AFC Wallingford last Boxing Day.

Tate is looking to build a young side around experienced midfield warhorse Richardson and said: "Lee's experienced but he's still in his early 20s so he's exactly the right age category for us.

"Taffy has great faith in his ability, but Lee knows we want the work ethic from him too. It won't be enough to just sit out and look pretty on the left-hand side. He's got to work as hard as the other ten players."

Chudy was keen to find a club down south as he is moving down to start a college course in Southampton.

Newport, meanwhile, are confident of adding another striker to their St George's Park stable. Tate is keeping a close eye on ex-Lymington & New Milton striker Leigh Phillips's situation at Salisbury City and has spoken to Liam Gearing of East Cowes Vics.

Wessex newcomers Winchester City are also on Gearing's trail, but it is believed that travelling could be a hitch for the highly-rated Islander.

That, plus the offer of Dr Martens football, could put Newport in the driving seat and Tate confirmed: "Liam's been in touch and says he wants to play for Newport. He's agreed to come for pre-season training and I've said I will talk to him then.

"He's got the reputation as one of the most skilful players on the Island and if he's ambitious to come to Newport, I'm happy to have him. I've always said that our door's open to any Isle of Wight player and the least I can do is give him a go."

Tate is also keeping tabs on Lymington & New Milton's former Dorchester defender Wayne Crutcher.

Chris Cheverton has called it a day after 21 years as secretary of Newport IoW, but he is not leaving the club entirely.

He will stay on as first-team physio and give any help and advice needed to his secretarial replacement.

Cheverton said: "I have been in the position long enough and feel a new face is needed."