NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher says the club tried their best to keep captain Darren Jones but could not match Forest Green Rovers' financial strength.

Butcher says the Exiles offered Jones an 'increased deal' but the Argus understands that the last-minute improved offer was for the same basic wage as last season but without the bonuses that Jones received throughout the campaign.

Forest Green offered Jones a significant pay rise and confirmed the signing of the 31-year-old defender this afternoon on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year based on appearances.

Speaking to the official County website, Butcher said: "The latest with Darren is that he has accepted an offer from Forest Green Rovers.

"We tried our best to keep him, and offered him an increased deal, but sadly despite our best efforts we can't get anywhere near what he has been offered at Forest Green Rovers.

"As many supporters know, Forest Green Rovers, despite being in the Conference, have a history of being able to offer big deals.

"We wish him well, and we totally understand his decision to move," added Butcher.

"He had spoken of his wishes to stay at Newport, but obviously he has to put his family first, and the deal he has been offered at Forest Green is unbeatable from our point of view.

"Darren has been a fantastic servant to the club and I am sure all the supporters will join me in wishing him well for the future."

Butcher also confirmed that talks are still ongoing with Andrew Hughes and Ryan Jackson - the other two players offered new deals earlier this week.

"We are still in negotiations with both Ryan Jackson and Andrew Hughes, and hopefully we'll have news on that front as soon as possible," he said.

The Exiles boss also spoke about releasing two of his backroom staff earlier this week, with strength and conditioning coach Tony James and goalkeeping coach Ryan Mackerness departing.

"Tony and Ryan have been loyal servants of the club, but I have to make tough decisions with regards to the budget right across the playing squad and coaching team," he said. "We wish the two of them all the best for the future."

Butcher is also busy working on bringing new players into the club and hopes to be in a position to make announcements shortly.

He added: "We are working hard to get new faces in, it's going well on that front and I am hopeful that we'll be in a position to make an announcement on new arrivals within the next few weeks."