Newport County

Luke Hemmings

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

David Hughes wants his Newport County side to carry the momentum from their midweek win over Cardiff City into their league campaign.

The Exiles sit bottom of League Two but found some cheer in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night as they beat the Bluebirds 1-0.

Newport travel to an Accrington Stanley side on Saturday (15:00 BST) who are in 20th - four places and four points above them.

"You can see the connection between the players and supporters as well, it's really, really positive." Hughes said.

"We're not thinking of anything other than Saturday and what we need to do to try and secure three points."

Hughes is expecting a tough encounter with an Accrington side who like Newport are part of the early-season relegation picture.

"Accrington is a really difficult place to go historically, equally so this year, so we know it'll be tough, it'll be really competitive," Hughes said.

"We'll need to show the same levels in both areas of the game as we did on Tuesday night and equally as we have done in the vast majority of our games this year."

County will face four of the current bottom eight in their next five games, including Saturday's fixture.

"The games are not getting easier. I do think it's a bit of a myth that the level of games in the next month is because they're not in the top nine or top 10," Hughes said.

"The reality would be teams will be looking to put a run together to get back into the top 10, they provide a different challenge, and they definitely don't provide an easy one."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

It is almost 12 months since Newport County won at Gillingham to move to within three points of the League Two play-off places.

Since then, Newport have been on 21 away trips in the fourth tier and managed only two further victories, at Crewe in February and Crawley in the first week of this season.

From that point on, of course, 2025-26 has proved to be a struggle for the Exiles, whose recent home form has been an even bigger concern than results on their travels.

But as they prepare to go to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, David Hughes' players should hit the road with a little more spring in their step after Tuesday's rousing success at Cardiff City.

Yes it was only the EFL Trophy, but the hope for Newport will be that victory over their League One neighbours – who despite making changes, fielded a number of first-team players – will provide a lift as they return to the task of trying to climb the league table.

Hughes' bottom-of-the-table team take on an Accrington side who are just four places above them, and who have won only one of their four home league fixtures to date this season.

Stanley also struggled on their own patch last term, with five league victories in 23 attempts – the joint-lowest tally in the division.

After the shot in the arm that was victory in Cardiff, Newport's players may even have a sense that opportunity knocks as they travel to the Wham Stadium.

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Sport asked Newport County fans which of their players have caught the eye so far this season - and which haven't.

Here are some of the responses we received:

Thomas - Lee Jenkins has really impressed so far after coming from the Welsh leagues, Kai Whitmore has also improved this season. Room for improvement for me is Cameron Antwi, he needs to get some consistency in his game and Courtney Baker-Richardson needs to drastically improve as he just doesn't look interested at all.

Joe - Sammy Braybrooke and Nathaniel Opoku. Lee Jenkins looks a good signing too but we need experience in order for the basics to happen. Controlling games, shape and helping the younger players through the game.

Mark - Nik Tzanev seems to be the stand-out performer. Better than Nick Townsend. Lee Jenkins looks a good signing in defence. Not much else to be honest. Think all the budget went on Tzanev becauses the lack of experience is shocking this season. Gut is telling me we are doomed.

Kevin - The only person to stand out so far this season is the tea lady at half-time. The rest of the team needs to take a long good look at themselves and that includes the management from top to bottom.

Terry - The only player who has really impressed me is 19-times Wales cap Matt Smith. However, the midfielder is currently injured and the sooner he returns, the better. There are others who have looked OK, but they all lack consistency and that's why the Exiles sit bottom of League Two.

Luke - Lee Jenkins has been head and shoulders above the rest. Kai Whitmore has flashes of brilliance, technically our best player. Nik Tzanev has also made some world-class saves and looks decent. There have been a few that have looked okay (Habeeb Ogunneye, Sammy Braybrooke). We are still really missing a striker who can actually find the net.

Oliver - Sammy Braybrooke has been different class. Levels above anyone else on the pitch every game, the only link between defence and attack. Also, shout-out to Lee Jenkins and Matt Baker who both have been putting in 7/10 performances every game.

Ade - For me Habeeb Ogunneye has been a shining light. Solid performance from the youngster most weeks.

Jamie - I feel for [manager] David Hughes. The squad isn't good enough. No goalscorers, no midfield generals, not enough leaders or experience in the squad. Hughes is being set up to fail. Lee Jenkins has been impressive since coming in from Haverfordwest.

Newport County have endured a torrid start to their League Two campaign and sit rock bottom of the Football League having claimed just five points from their opening 11 league matches.

And while it has been a difficult few months under David Hughes, is there anyone who has impressed you so far this season? And who do you think needs to improve?

Have your say here

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

David Hughes says it is up to the players and staff already at Newport County to turn their miserable form around.

Newport continue the search for a first win since the opening week of the League Two season when they go to Cardiff City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

While the Exiles are chasing a goalkeeper to offer cover for Nik Tzanev, who is away with New Zealand for friendlies against Poland and Norway, Hughes says any outfield additions from the free-agent market are unlikely because of profit and sustainability rules.

After 10 defeats in the past 11 games in all competitions, County boss Hughes is expecting League Two's bottom club to get no help.

"We go again. Nobody has any sympathy for us - there is none. The solution lies within the group of people in the dressing room," Hughes said.

"We believe that we can support the players to get that performance and that belief won't waver for us and the staff."

Newport will face a depleted Bluebirds side as they chase a morale-boosting success at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Hughes, whose team lost to Arsenal Under-21s in their first EFL Trophy tie this season, says "the league is absolutely the priority" with potentially key fixtures against fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town to come next in the fourth tier.

But he added: "Whatever game we play in, we want to win. We want to pick the strongest team possible.

"We know it's important for supporters. Cardiff will be favourites obviously. We'll go there and give everything we possibly can to put on a performance our supporters can be proud of."

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Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts says "you have to start worrying" for David Hughes' future at Newport County as the Exiles' League Two struggles go on.

Newport slipped to the bottom of the table after defeat by Swindon Town on Saturday continued their dreadful run of form.

County fans aimed critical chants in the direction of chairman and owner Huw Jenkins during the Swindon loss, Newport's 10th in their past 11 games in all competitions.

Newport are back in action on Tuesday when they make the short trip to Cardiff City in the EFL Trophy (19:45 BST), before potentially key league games at 20th-placed Accrington Stanley next Saturday and at home to Cheltenham, who are 22nd, seven days later.

Roberts says he has concerns over the job security of Hughes, who left his role in Manchester United's academy in May to take the reins at Newport.

"Bottom of League two, five points from 11 games, one point in their last nine games, one win from their last 20 in League Two with no wins in 11 at Rodney Parade," Roberts told BBC Radio Cymru.

"They've got the worst defensive record in League Two and they've got two huge games coming up against Accrington Stanley away and then Cheltenham at Rodney Parade in two weeks' time.

"But you have to start worrying for Dave Hughes' job as Newport County manager."

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Newport County will aim to end their 10-game winless run against Swindon Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday (12:30 BST).

David Hughes' side have struggled in the early part of the season and are currently 16 points and 20 League Two positions behind Saturday's opponents.

"They're on a good run of form, they've got real clarity in the way they play, clearly confident with where they sit in the league table," Hughes said.

Regardless of Newport's tough start to the season, the mood behind the scenes still seems to be positive, according to Hughes.

"We all hate losing, but the spirit of the players, the way they've gone about their work this week has been really really good," he said.

"I speak to Huw [Jenkins, Newport County chairman] a couple of times a week, we have the same thoughts on how we see the game and what success needs to look like.

"We talk a lot about how we're trying to play, the method with which we're trying to ensure we're delivering, making sure that we are providing every level we can do to look for the next three points."

Despite Newport's points total, the Exiles have been praised for their style of play and performances so far this season.

"There's a way to win isn't there, a win is a win, but when you look at the group and you look at individuals in the group, there's a certain way with which we're going about that, with an energy and an intent, because they're a young group, so that has to be there," Hughes added.

"Those are the key factors for us which we're continuing to push home."

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Newport County goalkeeper Nik Tzanev has been called up by New Zealand for their October friendlies against Poland and Norway.

The 28-year-old has been selected in the squad along with fellow stoppers Max Crocombe of Millwall and Alex Paulsen, who is at Polish side Lechia Gdansk on loan from Bournemouth.

Tzanev sat out the Soccer Ashes, external against Australia in September to establish himself in Newport after his summer move from Northampton Town.

The All Whites face Poland on Thursday, 9 October in Chorzow and Norway on Tuesday, 14 October in Oslo.

Newport face Cardiff City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, 7 October and then travel to Accrington Stanley in League Two on Saturday, 11 October.

Tzanev has started in 11 of 13 fixtures so far but his international call-up could open the door for fellow summer signing Jordan Wright, who impressed in August's 1-0 defeat to Millwall in the Carabao Cup.

David Hughes' side are 22nd in the table and are out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Newport host second-placed Swindon Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Sport asked Newport County fans what head coach David Hughes needs to change to turn around fortunes after an eight-game winless run that includes seven defeats.

Here is what fans had to say after Saturday's 4-1 loss at Chesterfield:

Dan - Desperately in need of some experience. Games just seem to be passing us by, without any real grit. We've lost the identity that's kept us in the league for a gamble on youth.

Peter - Hughes has failed to get the team performing. He is inexperienced and naive tactically. Relegation threatens. Mike Flynn is available. He can save the club.

Kevin - Think it's time to move on and get a new manager in. He has had enough time to get a winning side but is well out of his depth. It's embarrassing for all County fans, from the end of last season to this.

Paul - Mirror successfully League 2 winning teams. Strong spine to the side. Commanding goalkeeper who comes for crosses. Two very strong athletic centre-halves. Midfield players need to be athletic, big and mobile. And a goal scorer. Rest of the team fits around strong spine. We need a proven league manager.

Chris - Bring in players who have EFL experience. It's men against boys. He said we'd be hard to beat, we are the total opposite. So easy to play against. Individual errors. The squad simply isn't EFL quality, it's more aligned to Conference South so Hughes, who's been let down by the owner Huw Jenkins, has a very tough job on his hands

Terry - Right now he needs to get someone to play a holding midfield role because teams are running straight through Newport. Also he needs to find a way of making the Exiles hard to beat. It's not pretty, but a previous manager did it - before he was ousted!!

Newport County boss David Hughes was left to rue "too many unforced errors" after the Exiles' poor form continued with a heavy defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday.

Image source, BBC Sport

Newport County's testing run is showing no signs of easing up as they return to action against promotion-chasing Swindon Town next Saturday.

But what do you think boss David Hughes needs to change to turn around the Exiles' fortunes after a torrid start to the League Two campaign?

Have your say here!

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Newport County boss Dave Hughes has praised "outstanding" support from fans who he says have stuck with him and the side – despite their difficult run.

County head to Chesterfield this afternoon having enjoyed just one league win all season.

But despite concerns, Hughes hopes fans are able to see aspects of improvement – and is determined to deliver to repay their faith.

He said: "It's been really clear that players need the support - and the fans have been outstanding in how they've stuck with it.

"I think you look at every game we've played at home, players have been cheered off, which is really, really important.

"So what we have to do is keep giving them that spirit, that grit, that determination, creating an environment where the opposition know when they turn up at Rodney Parade it is going to be tough.

"So we thank them for sticking with us and they can rest assured we're doing everything we can to get that next three points for them."

Hughes acknowledged it has been hard for fans, but said: "We've stressed to players they have to understand what Newport is as a club, understand the history of the club, one that has always fought against the odds – and that identity will stay part of who we are.

"I think they've seen that and as a consequence they've stayed with us.

"And what we have to tell them is we're doing everything we possibly can to deliver for them."

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Newport County will still be without some key men when they travel to Chesterfield looking to end their winless run on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Defender Liam Shephard, striker Ged Garner and midfielder Matt Smith all remain sidelined and will not be available to boss Dave Hughes for the game at the SMH Group Stadium.

Shephard "suffered a setback" in his bid to return from a hamstring problem that has kept him out since August, with Hughes saying Garner is in a "similar" situation having been out since the draw at Tranmere.

Meanwhile, Wales international Smith is nursing a back problem having not featured since the opening month of the season.

With no fresh concerns, Hughes will likely field a similar side to the one that impressed against Gillingham, taking the lead and missing a penalty last weekend at Rodney Parade before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against the promotion-chasers.

Another tough challenge awaits the Exiles as they seek a first league win in eight when they take on the fifth-placed Spireites, who have not won in their past four games, but remain unbeaten in the league at home.

"They are a tough side, a good squad with good players who've been at different levels and a manager who's managed in the Championship," said Hughes.

"They're a really, really open attacking football team.

"From our perspective, if we can deliver what we did last Saturday, it makes for a really entertaining game where we hope we'll look to stamp our own style on the game while also accepting that they're a threat.

"They've got good players, but we believe we have, and anybody who's seen us over the course of the season will I'm sure agree with that. Pulling that together on Saturday to ensure we deliver a performance is all our thinking is around at the moment."