Newport County‘s Nik Tzanev has reflected on his opening stint at The Exiles and also revealed what drew him to the South Wales club.
The 28-year-old made the switch to Rodney Parade this summer, replacing the outgoing Nick Townsend between the sticks as the County veteran opted to move to non-league side Eastleigh. The former Northampton Town man has played in four of the club’s opening five fixtures this season, only missing out on their EFL Cup first round defeat to Millwall.
Tzanev Discusses Switch
Despite making 23 appearances for the Cobblers last season, including in 17 of their League One matches, Tzanev moved on from Sixfields in the summer and found a new home in Newport and back in League Two, a division he has been a first-choice option in with AFC Wimbledon three seasons ago.
Speaking about what lured him to the club in an interview with BBC Sport Wales, the New Zealand international revealed that it was the staff at County that convinced him to join the Exiles. He said:
“The group we have is really good and there’s no bad eggs and no egos. The goalkeeping department we have is top.
“The big thing was the gaffer and what he wanted to instil and the environment he wanted to create.
“Also Kends [head of goalkeeping Lee Kendall] because I think we’ve crossed paths for about six years now, so he was a big part to bring me in. Once it all got laid out it was a no-brainer.”
Grimsby Loss Reflection
Tzanev also discussed his side’s loss to Grimsby Town over the weekend, despite the shot stopper’s heroics in saving a penalty alongside plenty of other saves at Blundell Park. Speaking about the defeat, which was sealed with a late Kieran Green goal, the County man added:
“It’s really frustrating, right at the end, I thought second half we were the better team.
“Just a little lapse of concentration is all that it was in the 94th minute, but that’s football for you.
“Ultimately it’s down to points. It’s frustrating not coming away from there without at least a point. It’s nice to have a good game, but it’s a team sport so it’s frustrating.”
Writers’ View
Based on his early performances, Nik Tzanev has been a very good replacement to Nick Townsend so far for Newport County. His heroics despite defeat away to Grimsby highlight he is one of the better keepers in the division, with a penalty save and being strong in the face of sustained pressure. Of course, there is still a lot of the season to go and with County expected to struggle, many similar performances will be needed to stay clear of the drop.
