'I am not just a big man' - Hudlin

Kyle Hudlin has played in nine league and two cup games for Newport County this season scoring three goals

When you are one of the tallest footballers in the world, it almost goes without saying, you should be good in the air.

Newport County’s loanee Kyle Hudlin stands at a towering 6ft 9in and does not disappoint in that department. Indeed his first two Newport goals were headers.

But he was particularly pleased with his goal in the 2-0 win at Gillingham, as he allowed Bobby Kamwa’s low cross to run past his body before striking home a firm shot from inside the box.

Hudlin, on loan from League One Huddersfield Town, said: "I was speaking to my agent and saying I have scored two headed goals but I am expected to score headed goals. I want to showcase my ability on the technical side. Luckily I got to do that [at Gillingham]."

Not that Hudlin, 24, is surprised at the stereotyping.

"It’s kind of a cliché. After my two first goals everyone just sees the height and expects that. So I was really eager to score with my feet and make sure everyone knows I can play football as well.

"I am not just a big man. I am tidy with my feet. I just want more opportunity to showcase that."

Hudlin added: "I think it's natural, completely natural especially for fans... with everyone else before me it has been so much about an old fashioned centre forward, hold it up and have a little man running off him.

"But I feel the game is more advanced. I have come into a game where you have to be a complete forward, you have to be able to do both sides of the game and I really try to work on every aspect of it."

It is obviously paying off for the former student, who plied his trade with National League side Solihull Moors while still in university studying sports fitness and psychology.

He achieved his degree before moving into the EFL with then Championship side Huddersfield Town in July 2022.

Hudlin has subsequently had loan spells at Burton and AFC Wimbledon but has scored three goals in his last six Newport appearances and started six of the last eight league games ahead of Courtney Baker-Richardson.

There have been other footballers taller than Hudlin - German Simon Bloch Jorgensen was 6ft 10.5in – but you simply cannot miss the Newport front man in a crowd.

And rather like Kieffer Moore when he pulls on a Wales jersey, Hudlin’s height can make him a target for some rough treatment.

It is not unusual to see him being sandwiched between a defender and a deep lying midfielder when challenging for an aerial ball. And his shirt can occasionally be seen being tugged by opponents.

Much of this can go unpunished by referees. But Hudlin appears to take this in his lengthy stride.

"It's frustrating, but I understand it comes with my stature. I understand the type of forward I am.

"It’s a very physical game and I base myself on being physical and expect it to be given back to me.

"There are some decisions I do question because I do think sometimes it turns into a rugby match more than a football match and I struggle to showcase my ability.

"But I also understand it's very tough for officials and referees during the game when everything is 100 miles an hour. I take it as it comes."

Hudlin’s current loan spell at Newport is due to end in January. But he has already said he would be "open" to staying beyond the new year.

Head coach Nelson Jardim has made no secret he would like to keep Hudlin for longer.

As they focus on the FA Cup game against Peterborough at Rodney Parade this Saturday, Newport are currently 14th in League Two on 19 points, 11 ahead of one-from-bottom Carlisle and three points off the play-offs.

Hudlin said: "There are going to be ups and downs throughout the season. I just feel like everyone’s game is developing loads and it’s about learning on the job.

"It’s about learning quick and fast, making sure every game and training session you are progressing as a person."

Newport fans will hope Hudlin maintains his development as he continues to strive to be the complete footballer and stand tall in their League Two campaign.