Baker-Richardson wants promotion at 'homely' Newport

Striker Courtney Baker-Richardson scored eight goals in 31 league appearances during his first spell at Newport County in 2021-22

The squad, manager and even chairman may have changed, but Rodney Parade still feels like home for Courtney Baker-Richardson.

The striker re-joined Newport County in the summer as part of what has been a major rebuild in Huw Jenkins' first summer of owning the club.

Former Swansea City forward Baker-Richardson has scored twice in his opening three League Two appearances of the season to help bring the feel-good factor back to Newport, after a run of 10 straight defeats in all competitions stretching back to the end of last term.

The 28-year-old admits the love of the Newport faithful from his first stint at the club made his decision to return to Rodney Parade a simple one.

"I came back here because I really enjoyed it the first time," he said.

"I know what it's like, it's a homely club, it's a family club. 

"I'm leading the line now. I hope everyone's just happy with the performances that I've personally been putting in, and that the lads have been putting in.

"I think we can do great things if we just get behind the boys."

Following a last-gasp opening day 3-2 defeat at Cheltenham Town, 3-1 wins over Doncaster Rovers and Accrington Stanley have lifted Nelson Jardim's side to fifth in the league table.

Baker-Richardson has no plans to fall away from the top seven as he targets promotion with the Exiles following an agonising play-off final loss to Crawley Town with former club Crewe Alexandra in May.

"My end goal is I want to get promoted," Baker-Richardson boldly stated.

"I missed out last season when I was at Crewe, so I've had a sniff, and it's what I want."

And Baker-Richardson is adamant that his lofty ambitions are more than realistic.

"If you look at Doncaster, they were a frightening team to play against last season. They went and set about business, but we turned them over at home and we were quite comfortable I thought," Baker-Richardson said.

"We can be our own worst enemy, but we can be our own best friend, so the world is our oyster."

Newport County lost their final eight games of the 2023-24 League Two campaign

Bobby Kamwa has wasted no time in endearing himself to Newport fans since joining from Burton Albion.

And Baker-Richardson feels the Leeds United academy product will be a key figure for the Exiles at the top end of the pitch under Jardim.

"He's a little firework. He's a difficult player to defend, it's quite funny watching him training," said Baker-Richardson.

"He's like one of those toys where you wind him up and just let him go. I don't think even he knows what he's going to do half of the time.

"It's just about him being in those areas, but he's going to provide those assists and the flair to the team that we need."