Hughes will continue at Newport 'until told otherwise'

Newport County have won just twice in League Two this season and are bottom

Newport County head coach Dave Hughes says he still believes in what he is trying to do at the League Two strugglers and will carry on "until told otherwise".

The Exiles sank to the bottom of the English Football League (EFL) last weekend after a disappointing home defeat against Cheltenham Town.

The result prompted notable frustration from fans, with much aimed at chairman Huw Jenkins. The club's board of directors also released a statement that acknowledged supporter concern.

Hughes – who said at the weekend he was prepared for "whatever decisions there are" – confirmed he held lengthy conversations with majority shareholder Jenkins in the days that followed.

Speaking before Saturday's trip to 19th placed Harrogate Town (15:00 BST) Hughes said: "Football clubs belong to the supporters and our job is try to leave it in a better place.

"And we are trying to ensure that. The results don't reinforce it at the moment, but we are 100% not throwing in the towel, we are doing everything we can do give the supporters something to cheer about.

"We all believe - and are optimistic - in what we're trying to do to deliver wins and we'll not change.

"I believe in trying to support the players to win games of football, and I will continue to do that until told otherwise."

Hughes, 47, admitted the defeat to a Cheltenham side who had also been struggling at the wrong end of the table "still hurts" and he was aware of "outside noise" around the game being billed as key to County finding momentum.

Having recorded a key league win over Accrington Stanley, as well as an EFL Trophy victory against local rivals Cardiff City, Hughes said he did have to pick players up, but that there is a determination to show their resilience against a Harrogate side that have lost their last three.

Hughes hopes for signings after injuries

Newport, though, will have to cope with further injury problems, with defender Jayden Warner "in a brace" after a leg injury picked up against Cheltenham, forward Michael Spellman rolling his ankle and centre-back James Clarke needing a scan.

With the likes of Matt Baker, Tom Davies, Liam Sheppard and Matt Smith among those out, Newport could have a bare minimum of senior outfield players available to make up their squad.

With defender Lee Jenkins also one game away from suspension, Hughes said he "hoped" to be able to add reinforcements at the back.

"We could do with a bit of luck but the injuries we picked up last week were unavoidable, so it provides the opportunity for somebody else to step in," Hughes added.

"It's part and parcel of the game and what we have to do is ensure that we don't rush players back, so when they're fit and available they stay fit and available."