Haverfordwest boss Tony Pennock believes Newport County’s newest recruit, Kai Whitmore, can become a League Two regular if he can replicate the Euro factor.
Whitmore signed a two-year deal at Rodney Parade after making a name for himself, like Will Evans and Nathan Wood, in the Cymru Premier.
But it was his performances for Haverfordwest last summer in the Europa Conference League that earned rave reviews as the west Wales Bluebirds beat KF Shkendija and took B36 Torshavn all the way before losing in extra time, both over two legs.
“Kai’s performances in Europe were excellent,’’ declared Pennock, a former goalkeeper with Yeovil Town, head of youth and goalkeeping coach at Swansea City, and assistant manager at Hull City.
“If he can replicate those European performances on a regular basis then he will certainly have the potential to make his mark as a League Two player.
“He is an extremely fit lad and carries the ball well up the pitch. Technically he is very good, and you can see why he was at Swansea as a youngster. He has continued his development at Ammanford, Penybont and, of course, with us here at Haverfordwest.
“Everyone at the club wishes him well and if he is able to take on board the information given to on at full-time level, then he is bound to improve again and take the next step,” concluded Pennock, who played 30 times in goals for the Exiles between 2005-2008.
It’s a challenge Whitmore is relishing, adding: “I’m really excited to get started. I enjoyed the challenge in the Cymru Premier and I think the experience of playing in Europe, in big stadiums, will help me make the step up.
“I like to play as a number eight, box to box, and create things.
“First though I need to get as fit as I can, get used to full-time training, and then hopefully play as many games as I can.”