Newport need signings to cope with schedule - Hughes

David Hughes was appointed as manager by Newport County in May

Manager David Hughes says Newport County's unrelenting schedule means they need more signings before the transfer window closes.

Liam Shephard became the Exiles' ninth new arrival when the versatile defender returned for a second spell at Rodney Parade on Wednesday.

The club have also signed goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins, midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner, along with right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, midfielder Ben Lloyd and striker Michael Reindorf on loan.

The transfer deadline is on 1 September and Hughes is mindful of a fixture list until the end of the year that features at least 27 games in League Two, the EFL Trophy, Carabao Cup and FA Cup to go along with the two already played.

"We are still working on a couple of bits and pieces to try and ensure we can continue to support the players that we have here," said the manager, who takes his side to Crawley Town on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"We know the schedule up to Christmas will be heavy with games. We are Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday for a big period of time.

"The chairman and I are continuously discussing the possibility of what that looks like and we will continue to strengthen the squad over the coming weeks."

Lee Jenkins helped Newport beat Barnet on penalties in the Carabao Cup

Exiles' travel sickness

County's season started early with a Carabao Cup preliminary round success at Barnet on penalties and that was followed by a home 1-1 draw with Notts County in their League Two opener.

They now travel to face a Crawley side looking for a big reaction to a 3-0 defeat by Grimsby Town.

The Exiles were the worst travellers in the division last season with 14 points from 23 fixtures and haven't won on the road since a superb 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandra on 8 February.

"We are looking forward, we can't keep looking back," said Hughes, who was appointed as Nelson Jardim's successor in May.

"It's important to stress what we have got in front of us and we have a group who have shown really good levels in pre-season and the first two games.

"What has happened in the past is in the past, this group have an opportunity to shape the next nine months and we are excited by that."

Newport showed battling qualities against Barnet, when two injury-time goals meant they had to hold their nerve from the spot, and Notts County.

Ged Garner's header put them in front against the Magpies but they were denied by a contentious penalty.

"We showed outstanding moments in both games, particularly the second half against Notts County," said Hughes.

"We showed outstanding grit, resilience and, in spells, some really good passages of play. They are the points we will continue to reinforce."