03-07-2025
Nik Tzanev to help Newport County find their mean streak
It was announced last month that the 28-year-old had agreed a deal with the Exiles to replace stalwart Nick Townsend, who has signed for National League Eastleigh.
Tzanev has linked up with his new teammates for the first time after returning from international duty with New Zealand.
He is now working towards getting the nod for the Carabao Cup preliminary clash with Barnet at the Hive on Tuesday, July 29, a game that is followed by the League Two opener against Notts County in Newport.
The Kiwi featured 23 times for League One Northampton when he shared the gloves with Lee Burge but he wants to rack up more games in the coming campaign.
'I got my break at Wimbledon and played regularly for a few years, but the back end of my time there was tough because I wasn't playing as much,' said Tzanev, who will battle fellow new recruit Jordan Wright and Jacob Carney.
'Last season I got back into the rhythm, playing more games, and now I just want to kick on from here and help push this team up the table.'
Tzanev has signed up to play under new manager David Hughes but will have a close working relationship with Lee Kendall, the goalkeeping coach.
'Lee played a big part in the decision. I had really good conversations with him, and speaking to other goalkeepers about the club helped too,' he said.
'I'm really excited to get going. Now I'm in with the lads and the coaches, I just want to crack on, kick-start pre-season, and make sure we begin the season really strongly,' he continued.
County finished last season in the final safe position and with the worst defensive record, while they conceded an alarming amount of goals from set pieces.
'Everything we've discussed is positive. We want to play attacking football but also be hard to beat,' said Tzanev.
'We want to run teams over, keep clean sheets, and stay compact as a unit. It's a big focus this season to be solid defensively and limit the goals we concede.
'Personally, it's about building strong relationships with the back line and keeping as many clean sheets as possible. It's not just about the defence, and we've got to work together as a team.'
