Newport County: Exiles have overcome 'storm' prior to Huw Jenkins' takeover
- Published
Newport County have overcome Oldham Athletic, Barnet and Eastleigh to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup
Graham Coughlan says Newport County have had to come through a "storm" prior to their club takeover.
Huw Jenkins' purchase of a majority stake in the Exiles was officially confirmed on 24 January, just four days before the club's FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester United.
"They've all come through it and we've got players making their way back from injury now," said Coughlan.
"We're in a good place, but we've come through many a storm to get here."
Newport lost key players including Robbie Willmott, Priestley Farquharson, Aaron Lewis and Mickey Demetriou during the 2023 summer transfer window.
Coughlan was also dealt a string of injury blows early on in the season, with players such as Omar Bogle, Seb Palmer-Houlden, Offrande Zanzala and James Clarke among those to have lengthy spells on the sidelines.
But the League Two side head into their cup contest against Erik ten Hag's United at Rodney Parade in significantly stronger shape.
They are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and added former Wales Under-21 striker Luke Jephcott to their ranks within 24 hours of Jenkins' takeover being announced.
"Bringing in Luke yesterday is another positive and Huw was very much on board with that as well," added Coughlan.
"It's been a really good week. Let's hope it can continue."
On his side's previous struggles, Coughlan commented: "It was tough on the pitch, it was tough off the pitch.
"It was just one blow after another, losing players we didn't want to lose, the losses we announced, having to rip up the plans, having to restart and rejig.
"It was a turbulent summer, but I think we've put together a really good group of lads and staff and we've gone from strength to strength."
Former Swansea City chairman Jenkins purchased his 52% stake from Newport's Supporters' Trust who have owned and run the club since 2015.
The Supporters' Trust will retain a 27% shareholding in the club and two director places on the board.
"I've had a good relationship with Huw since I met him," Coughlan said of Jenkins.
"He's a fully experienced man at all levels of the game, not just as a chairman.
"He has many strings to his bow. Recruitment, CEO, he built up Swansea as well.
"It should be really positive. The vibes and the conversations I've had with him so far have been brilliant."