'I'm not throwing in the towel' - Hughes fights on

David Hughes replaced Nelson Jardim as Newport County boss in the summer

David Hughes says he has no fear over his position as Newport County head coach after his side suffered a seventh loss in eight matches last time out.

Nathaniel Opoku put the Exiles ahead in the opening against Gillingham at Rodney Parade, but the hosts shipped three goals before half time as the league leaders secured all three points.

Defeat leaves Newport just one place above the League Two relegation zone with nine league games played so far this season, but Hughes says he will not walk away from the club after a difficult start to the campaign.

"You always have pressure in every job. I have a real intent in what we try and do and how we try and do it," he said.

"I don't have any fear for my job. It's precarious, it's a difficult situation. I love working with the players and they're an outstanding group, we're trying to help them.

"We've said continuously we don't feel they're a million miles away, but that last step is a very big one to turn a performance into a victory.

"We'll keep going and we'll keep trying to prepare the players as well as we can, but I'm definitely not throwing the towel in."

The Gillingham loss means Newport have won just one of their nine league matches so far this season, with Hughes' men winning just two of their 11 fixtures across all competitions.

But the former Manchester United youth coach feels his young squad need the support from fans to help them through their difficult spell.

"There's definitely not a lack of belief," added Hughes.

"It's important with the young players that our supporters stay behind them.

"They need a win, the supporters. We're all football supporters, we all love the game. We all turn up on a Saturday with a real desire and intent to watch our team win.

"We are representing the city with everything that the football club is epitomising, what we're not doing is winning the game.

"Ultimately that's what we'll all be judged on, myself, the staff and the players. I pick the team, I set the game plan and ultimately the buck stops with me.

"So the message is to stick with the players. There's definitely no criticism of them from me. We've been beaten by a good team, a well organised team with experience."