Jardim 'not afraid' to change Newport's playing style

Nelson Jardim succeeded Graham Coughlan as Newport County boss

Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says he won’t be tied to one playing formation in the quest to win games.

After opening the season with two defeats, Jardim opted to play with three centre backs and wing backs for Saturday’s rousing 3-1 League Two win over highly fancied Doncaster Rovers.

The formation change paid off handsomely with his first competitive victory as boss.

“We are always assessing the players we have available," Jardim said.

“We have a couple of injuries as well. I just felt this would be the best and the boys did well.”

The former Swans coach was thrilled to open his account in his first game at Rodney Parade, but made it clear he is not rooted to one system of playing.

“One of the jobs of any coach is to make sure they see where the player can perform best and I felt this was this right way," Jardim said.

“I am not afraid to do whatever it needs to make sure the players enjoy, they play well and we see the team building on the style we want to play."

Kai Whitmore scored a spectacular goal in Newport’s second half revival and has praised the influence of Jardim.

Jardim was delighted for the former Haverfordwest player on his Football League debut.

“He fully deserves it," added Jardim, "I am so happy he could get the goal and help the team.

“Kai just showed what he can do, he plays his football, he is a very committed and very helpful player who can play in different positions.

"He competes, that is the main thing, and obviously it was a great goal, that inspirational moment, especially for me watching from the bench."