Newport need to be more nasty - boss Hughes
David Hughes was appointed as Newport County manager in May, 2025
- Published
David Hughes has called on his Newport County side to show more "nastiness" in their League Two fixture with Bristol Rovers.
The Exiles attempt to end a five-game losing streak when they welcome Rovers to Rodney Parade (12.30 BST).
Newport go into the Severnside derby on the back of a deflating performance when beaten 2-0 at Cambridge United.
Manager Hughes has been encouraged by the start of his reign but is demanding a reaction – and for the squad to show a mean streak.
"The boys are really professional, hungry, humble, disciplined and try to play the game the right way," he said. "They are competitive and on the edge.
"They have been a joy to work with but what we have to do is add that little bit of grit and, more psychologically, nastiness to ensure we come away with three points.
"We don't want to be nice and we don't want to be friendly, we want to win."
Foxes in mix for Newport debuts
Sammy Braybrooke played for England at under-18, 19 and 20 level
Newport made two deadline day signings by bringing in midfielder Sammy Braybrooke and forward Nathan Opoku from Leicester City on loan.
They will be available for debuts against a Rovers side who are fresh from 1-0 wins against Cambridge United and Grimsby Town.
Braybrooke, 21, captained England at under-18 level and has also been capped by the under-19s and under-20s.
Hughes believes the young Foxes prospect, who was on loan at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership in the first half of last season, can add some bite to the Exiles' midfield.
"Sammy is an outstanding footballer – tenacious and technically outstanding," said the manager.
"He understands the game and you clearly don't play for England at the age groups he has without having a huge amount of ability.
"We watched his games at Dundee and he showed the tenacity to be able to handle men's football. He is definitely a competitor.
"He is humble, grounded and aware of what the expectations are here for everybody that pulls on a shirt.
"He can see a pass, travel with the ball, has really good delivery at set plays and can handle the ball really well under pressure."
