Newport County

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County's young talents have been challenged to show they can mix it with "Championship level" players against Milton Keynes Dons.

The Exiles face a stern test when they welcome the much-fancied and unbeaten Dons to Rodney Parade on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Newport have made a steady start to life under David Hughes but are trying to bounce back from narrow defeats to Grimsby and Salford.

The visitors will be without injured former County forward Aaron Collins, who arrived from League One Bolton this summer for a reported £750,000 fee.

However, they still boast Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson - who played in the second tier with Derby and Sheffield Wednesday respectively last season - in their ranks.

"What a great test for our boys, a really good opportunity for our younger players to test themselves against players who have experienced Championship level," said manager Hughes.

"We have younger players who will be determined to play at that level as they progress in their careers. Go and show what you've got.

"When you look at our squad on Tuesday, look at the age. Tom Davies, Lee Jenkins, Matt Baker, Habeeb Ogunneye, Ben Lloyd, they are young and they are learning on the job to a certain degree.

"Their performances have been really positive and this challenge is a different one. We've got nothing to be fearful of, we have to back ourselves. We believe in the players we have got and we are providing them with an opportunity to progress their careers."

Newport memorably won last season's game against MK Dons at Rodney Parade 6-3 thanks to hat-tricks by Bryn Morris, who is now at Harrogate, and Bobby Kamwa.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County hope to have striker Ged Garner available for Saturday's League Two game against Milton Keynes Dons.

The summer signing has returned to training after a knee injury that forced him to miss the defeats to Millwall, Grimsby and Salford.

Garner, who scored against Notts County in the League Two opener, should be in the mix for the Rodney Parade meeting with the Dons (12:30 BST) as long as he comes through Friday's session unscathed.

He would join Cardiff loanee Michael Reindorf, Courtney Baker-Richardson and Bobby Kamwa - who scored a hat-trick against MK last season - as an option up front.

Midfielder Kai Whitmore will be out until mid-September with a calf injury but defender Liam Shephard is in contention for a return after having his workload managed.

Shepard, who is comfortable at right-back or the right of a central three, sat out the fixture against his former Salford teammates.

Newport brought the Pentre-born 30-year-old back for a second spell at Rodney Parade in August after he had been part of the Professional Footballers' Association summer programme for free agents.

Shephard was limited to 27 appearances at Salford last season because of injuries, so County are easing him back in.

Central defender Jaden Warner has not featured so far because of a pre-season knee issue but the January recruit from Norwich is close to a return.

"Jaden has been training and we will get some minutes for Jaden in the next 10 days, he will be back and available and that is really positive," said manager David Hughes.

"It was unfortunate for him because he was having a really positive pre-season when he picked up a knee injury. We are looking forward to having him back in."

Newport aim to bounce back from narrow league defeats to Grimsby and Salford while fifth-placed MK have won two and drawn two, sharing the spoils at Crawley on Tuesday.

Image source, Getty Images

Newport County face one of League Two's sternest tests as they look to bounce back after successive fourth-tier defeats this Saturday.

The Exiles were left licking their wounds after their 1-0 home loss to Salford City on Tuesday, which came on the back of last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Grimsby Town.

Boss David Hughes felt his side did not do much wrong in the Salford reverse – but a step up in performance level is likely to be required when MK Dons come to Rodney Parade this weekend.

MK Dons finished a lowly 19th in League Two last season, only three places above Newport, but big things are expected of Paul Warne's team this season.

Former Rotherham and Derby boss Warne (above) is a serial promotion winner, and he has been backed in the transfer market this summer with the likes of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Callum Patterson and Aaron Collins moving to Stadium MK.

Having begun 2025-26 as favourites to go up, Warne's men are fifth in the early-season table after winning two and drawing two of their four league games so far.

Newport are without a victory in eight home games in all competitions, a run which stretches back to March.

It would be quite a statement should Hughes' side end that sequence against the heavyweight opponents who come next.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Manager David Hughes says Newport County are working on making more signings before the transfer window shuts on 1 September.

The Exiles have added nine players to their squad this summer but, with 15 departures, there is room for new recruits.

Newport lost 1-0 at home to Salford City on Tuesday to leave them 15th in League Two after one win, one draw and two defeats from Hughes' first four league games.

"We're looking at a number of areas to strengthen, absolutely, but it's not easy," said the former Manchester United academy boss.

"The chairman (Huw Jenkins) and myself, we're speaking consistently and daily on what we're trying to do and how we're trying to support the players we've already got here in the profile that we're trying to bring in.

"Good players, there's a lot of competition out there and we're in the hunt for them, but I can't say anything more than that at the minute."

Newport are in particular need of reinforcements as midfielder Kai Whitmore is unavailable with a calf injury.

"Kai Whitmore's had a little setback with a niggle with a calf that will put him out for three or four weeks, which is disappointing because he was performing really, really well," Hughes added.

"So yeah, we're looking, we're actively seeking some support to try to enhance and evolve what we've currently got."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

After Newport County lost for the first time in League Two this season, conceding at late goal in a 2-1 defeat at Grimsby, we asked you to assess start to life under Dave Hughes.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: "An improvement on last season. Team playing with commitment and spirit. Togetherness and good teamwork. Unfortunately a few errors of concentration at end of matches."

Luke: "Overall I think it's a pretty positive start with two good results to kick off the campaign. We've seen him look to rotate the squad and shows that we have strength in depth with more additions still rumoured to be made. I think we need a little more control in games especially in the middle of the pitch where we arguably have our best players in Smith and Whitmore."

Jamie: "Plenty to be positive about so far in the David Hughes era although conceding late goals is becoming a theme which needs to be addressed quickly."

Ed: "Grimsby fan here. I went yesterday, Newport have plenty of energy and looked good in the second half."

Linda: "So far the season is looking encouraging, as the players are more determined to win. Unfortunately though they seem to switch off during the extra time period at the end of the games. I am sure that they will improve over the coming weeks."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Nik Tzanev says it was a "no-brainer" to join Newport County following his summer switch from Northampton Town.

The 28-year-old has started each of the Exiles' three League Two fixtures so far this season having been identified as the club's replacement for Nick Townsend.

And Tzanev has also revealed manager David Hughes and head of goalkeeping Lee Kendall were pivotal in his decision to make the switch to Rodney Parade.

"I'm really enjoying it, it's been really nice," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"The group we have is really good and there's no bad eggs and no egos. The goalkeeping department we have is top.

"The big thing was the gaffer and what he wanted to instil and the environment he wanted to create.

"Also Kends [head of goalkeeping Lee Kendall] because I think we've crossed paths for about six years now, so he was a big part to bring me in. Once it all got laid out it was a no-brainer."

Newport suffered their first league defeat of the campaign last time out as they conceded in second half added time to lose 2-1 at Grimsby Town.

Tzanev was among the away side's star performers as he saved a Jaze Kabia penalty in addition to making a string of impressive stops at Blundell Park.

"It's really frustrating, right at the end, I thought second half we were the better team," Tzanev said of the loss to the Mariners.

"Just a little lapse of concentration is all that it was in the 94th minute, but that's football for you.

"Ultimately it's down to points. It's frustrating not coming away from there without at least a point. It's nice to have a good game, but it's a team sport so it's frustrating."

Image source, BBC Sport

Newport County suffered a first league defeat of the season on Saturday, as they were beaten late on at Grimsby.

The Exiles have made an unwanted habit of conceding late in games, having allowed a goal after the hour mark in all four games played this season.

A 96th minute goal for Crawley proved to be just a consolation last week, but Kieran Green's 94th minute strike for Grimsby saw Newport return to south Wales without a point.

As a result, David Hughes' side find themselves 14th in League Two after picking up four points from three games.

Newport were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the first round, but gave a good account of themselves as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Rodney Parade by Championship side Millwall.

So how would you assess County's start to life under Hughes?

Have your say here!

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Manager David Hughes is hunting a solution to Newport County's injury-time issues.

The Exiles suffered a last-gasp defeat at Grimsby Town in League Two on Saturday when Kieran Green made it 2-1 in the 94th minute.

Newport conceded twice past the 90-minute mark at Barnet in the Carabao Cup preliminary round before progressing on penalties, while they shipped a goal at the death when winning 2-1 at Crawley.

The Green goal at Blundell Park was costly and condemned Hughes to a first league loss.

"Ultimately, we probably gifted them the winner in the end," said the manager.

"Credit to them, they asked lots of questions, we are just bitterly disappointed that we got to injury time and that's the third time now [we have conceded].

"That's something we've got to look and think about. Do I need to do anything differently to try and help the guys get through those moments?"

Grimsby scored in the first minute when Green's header deflected in off Courtney Baker-Richardson but Newport levelled through Matt Baker in the 55th minute.

The Mariners eventually got their reward for a performance that forced Nik Tzanev into a string of superb stops, including one from Jaze Kabia's penalty.

"The positive is that he made some really good saves, the disappointing part is that he's had to make them," said Hughes.

"I'm not too downhearted and we said that to the players in the dressing room. There are some really small areas that we can improve on that would make the last two minutes avoidable.

"Let's give Grimsby some credit and look at us and say that for large spells there were real positives.

"With a little bit more of a ruthless edge at key times it could have looked different, particularly second half, but coming away with nothing was really disappointing."

Newport aim to bounce back when they welcome Salford City, who are fresh from a 2-1 win against Accrington, to Rodney Parade on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County manager David Hughes believes he is spoilt for choice up front ahead of Saturday's League Two game at Grimsby Town.

The Exiles take on the Mariners at Blundell Park (15:00 BST) after claiming four points from two fixtures so far.

Hughes paired Cardiff loanee Michael Reindorf and summer signing Ged Garner up front in the 1-1 draw against Notts County and 2-1 win at Crawley Town, but freshened things up in midweek.

Bobby Kamwa, last season's top scorer from the wing with nine, and Courtney Baker-Richardson got the nod against Millwall and caused the Championship club problems in the opening half-hour of their EFL Cup tie.

The Lions eventually took control and won 1-0, but Hughes was impressed by his front two.

"CBR was outstanding in pre-season, a real threat, really positive, and a top professional. Bobby's been the same," said Hughes.

"All the strikers have taken on board what we're trying to do. With the number of games coming up we need everyone, and the way they've gone about their work will make sure they get their opportunities."

Reindorf opened his Newport account with a stunning strike in the Carabao Cup preliminary round win at Barnet and Garner nodded in County's goal against Notts.

Baker-Richardson's last goal was against Harrogate Town in March when he scored his fourth of the last campaign.

Newport travel to Grimsby before welcoming Salford City and Milton Keynes Dons to Rodney Parade on Tuesday and Saturday.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Joe Thomas is in contention for a Newport County return at Grimsby Town in League Two on Saturday.

The right-back went off with an injury at half-time in the 2-1 win at Crawley Town and then sat out Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Millwall as a precaution.

Manager David Hughes has declared he has a fully-fit squad for the trip to Blundell Park (15:00 BST), with Thomas battling Habeeb Ogunneye for a starting spot after the Manchester United loanee impressed in the 1-0 loss to the Lions.

Newport could recall defender Liam Shephard, midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner after they were rested from the matchday squad against Millwall.

Centre-back/midfielder Ciaran Brennan (shoulder) and attacking midfielder Michael Spellman (groin) made their first appearances of the season off the bench but are not yet fit enough to be considered as starters.

Newport, who have made a positive start to life under Hughes, face a testing eight days with Grimsby followed by Rodney Parade fixtures against Salford City and Milton Keynes Dons.

"We're relishing the challenges we've got. Grimsby had an outstanding start, I've watched the last three games they've played and they've been impressive," said the manager.

"We have to focus on ourselves and ensure that we are at the right level to perform to the best of our capabilities, while also understanding we're going to face a good opponent who will be at home and the crowd will be with them.

"The next month is going to be a really good test for us, and we're excited and looking forward to it."

The Mariners and Ammies narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season while the Dons are tipped to be contenders for promotion after spending big this summer.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County hope to profit from a fierce battle to get the gloves thanks to two summer signings grasping their chances.

Stalwart Nick Townsend left the Exiles for ambitious National League club Eastleigh in June and the club then opted to bring in two senior goalkeepers, Nik Tsanev from Northampton and Jordan Wright from Grimsby.

Tsanev, 28, got the nod for the first three games of the campaign and caught the eye with a string of fine stops against Barnet, Notts County and Crawley.

Wright, 26, responded on his debut in the 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Millwall on Tuesday when he pulled off three super saves to prevent the Championship club from rubber-stamping victory.

Newport have traditionally had tussles to be between the sticks with Townsend, Joe Day and Tom King thriving from competition.

However, Townsend started 43 of 46 league games in his last two seasons with the club, with Jonny Maxted and Jacob Carney failing to put the pressure on.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Manager David Hughes has a tough call to make for Saturday's League Two trip to Grimsby Town (15:00 BST).

"If you've got a number one, is there a challenge that they will be complacent when knowing they are going to play? Possibly," said Hughes.

"What we have got is two goalkeepers and a coach in Lee Kendall who works them really well.

"Jordan and Nik are two outstanding professionals who train really, really well every day. They are consistently looking at feedback on areas where they can add to their game.

"On Tuesday night Jordan got his opportunity after being patient for a couple of games and was excellent, making two or three outstanding saves and showed good composure with the ball at his feet.

"Maybe I should have given Nik more praise than I have done because he's just had a presence, similar to Jordan, and that was something that we discussed."

Wright will hope to get the nod on his return to Blundell Park, where he kept a clean sheet when Grimsby beat Newport 1-0 in March.

Tsanev appears to have inched in front but the New Zealand international is set to miss the 6 September derby against Bristol Rovers due to international fixtures against Australia.

October friendlies against Poland and Norway clash with Newport's EFL Trophy game against Cardiff City and a trip to Accrington.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County cannot let their standards drop when they travel to Grimsby Town in League Two, says boss David Hughes.

The Exiles have made a promising start to life under Hughes by taking four points from two league games, drawing with Notts County and winning at Crawley Town.

They also beat Barnet on penalties in the Carabao Cup before putting in a spirited performance when knocked out 1-0 by Championship Millwall on Tuesday.

Hughes, who left his role as Manchester United Under-21s coach for the job this summer, is encouraged by what he has seen in advance of Saturday's fixture at Blundell Park (15:00 BST).

"The reaction from the supporters was really positive around the levels of intent and purpose in our play, that's really important that the crowd are with us," said the manager after the Millwall game.

"That's the benchmark for us, we need to know when we start a game what the expectations are and the standards that underpin the performance."

Newport made eight changes to their XI to face Millwall and were also boosted by the return from injury of defender or midfielder Ciaran Brennan and winger Michael Spellman off the bench.

Grimsby have made an unbeaten start to the season with an opening day 3-0 win over Crawley, 3-3 draw at Harrogate and 3-1 cup win against Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County manager David Hughes has welcome selection headaches for Grimsby on Saturday after players grasped their chance to impress against Millwall.

The Championship side won Tuesday night's EFL Cup tie at Rodney Parade 1-0 thanks to Ryan Leonard's thumping finish on the hour.

Hughes tasted defeat for the first time since taking the reins but the Exiles boss was pleased with how his team performed after making eight changes to the XI that beat Crawley Town 2-1 in League Two.

"The lads who started deserved to start because of the way that they have trained continuously," he said. "They have come on in games and impacted them.

"The most telling factor for us as a group was that nothing really changed. I am disappointed to have lost but I am really pleased, some of the football in the first 30 minutes was outstanding."

Debutant goalkeeper Jordan Wright pulled off three excellent saves and Manchester United loanee Habeeb Ogunneye impressed on his first start.

Left wing-back Anthony Glennon, centre-back Cameron Evans and forward Bobby Kamwa also came into the XI for the first time this season after being regulars in the 2024-25 campaign.

"The hard part has been telling people they haven't been starting because of the way that they have gone about it," said Hughes. "They showed against Millwall the mentality and collectiveness of the group."

Newport now face the long trip to Grimsby on Saturday (15:00 BST), which is followed by a home Tuesday fixture against Salford and then another against Milton Keynes Dons.

Hughes and his management team are making it clear to the squad that rotation is necessary in a hectic start to the campaign.

"What they have to accept is that there are 46 league games, although unfortunately not another Carabao Cup game," he said.

"There will be in excess of 50 games this season and everybody will play significant amounts of football.

"That's the message to the group, we need everybody to stick together and support each other, show no disappointment if you don't start but come on to show and illustrate your ability. Everybody has done that."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County have made an unbeaten start to the season under new head coach David Hughes. BBC Sport Wales asked fans for their views after their first three games.

Adrian: "Early days. Starting well but dare I say it, we always seem to implode after Christmas. Signs are good so let's keep it going."

Peter: "Very encouraging start. After the disastrous end to last season, the new manager has galvanised the team. Good new signings excellent teamwork. Port are back!"

Mark: "Much better organised than last season. They look hard to beat are taking their chances and there is effort there for 90 mins."

Alan: The opening 3 games have given me optimism and certainly an improvement on last season which is not saying much. New signings have made a difference and the new managerial set up seems to have some tactical know how but it is still early days. We are promised more signings so hopefully we will get an experienced striker and midfielder which we desperately need. Encouraging signs so far."

Jamie: "Decent start. Better coach as well. Do not think the season will end so abruptly as the last two. I can see a play off spot at best but mid-table is more realistic."

Andrea: "Really positive start. I'm really encouraged by the energy and attitude of the management and players."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

David Hughes is mulling over changes to his Newport County side in their bid to cause a Carabao Cup upset against Millwall.

The Exiles welcome the Lions to Rodney Parade on Tuesday (19:30 BST) after beating Barnet on penalties in the preliminary round.

Newport extended their unbeaten start to life under Hughes on Saturday when beating Crawley 2-1 thanks to goals by Kai Whitmore and Liam Shephard in Sussex.

The County manager has used 14 starters in four fixtures so far and, with a league trip to Grimsby Town to come on Saturday, will consider tinkering with his line-up.

"We've discussed that we will need everybody," said Hughes, who is yet to field Anthony Glennon and Bobby Kamwa - both regulars last season - in an XI this term.

"Some of the guys have not started but over the coming period everybody will be massively valuable.

"The group needs to keep themselves level and focused, then when the opportunity is there they need to grasp it."

Millwall got their Championship campaign off to a winning start with an impressive 2-1 win at Norwich over the weekend.

Newport have enjoyed lucrative FA Cup runs in recent seasons while in the Carabao Cup they have claimed the scalps of Charlton, Luton, Portsmouth, Ipswich, Swansea and Watford.

"We know the value of the cups, they are significant and there is a rich history here with runs," said Hughes.

"We'd love to replicate that but what we have to do is ensure we monitor the players off the back of the weekend performance to see who is fresh and who is ready to play again.

"We need to give a good account of ourselves and we know that we are the underdogs. The league is the most important thing, let's not forget that, but a cup game is a nice break."

Image source, BBC Sport

Newport County are unbeaten after their opening two league games - and preparing to face Championship side Millwall in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

So far, so encouraging for a side written off by many pundits and bookmakers before the season began.

After warming up for the league with a penalty shoot-out win over Barnet in the preliminary round of the cup, County opened their League Two campaign with a solid 1-1 draw against highly-fancied Notts County.

The Exiles followed that up by claiming their first league win under new boss Dave Hughes, goals from Kai Whitmore and debutant Liam Shephard giving them a 2-1 victory at relegated Crawley Town.

New Zealand goalkeeper Nik Tzanev - one of a host of new players signed by Newport in the summer - also caught the eye at Broadfield Stadium with some impressive saves, while Lee Jenkins' long throw-ins look like they will be an asset.

Early days, yes, but four points from the first six on offer should provide fans with encouragement that County will make significant progress on last season's disappointing 22nd-place finish.

Hughes is also hoping to make more additions to his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

So how do you feel after the opening two games? Do County look stronger than last year? Are there areas of the pitch you are still worried about? Let us know your views by clicking here.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Liam Shephard says he is "buzzing" to have returned "home" after scoring on his second debut for Newport County.

The defender - who made 52 appearances for the Exiles during the 2020-21 season - signed a one-year deal with the Exiles last week following his release from Salford City.

He was immediately thrust into the limelight on Saturday, starting and scoring as David Hughes' side maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign with a 2-1 win at Crawley Town.

"I'm buzzing. We've been speaking pretty much through all of the off-season. It was frustrating at times but we finally got the deal done," he told BBC Sport Wales of his return to the club.

"It makes sense to come home after four years. I'm just happy.

"I feel like when I was here last time, it was such a good group and I didn't really want to leave but there were other circumstances.

"People can say what they want to say but they don't know the real reasons to it - that's between me and the people in charge at the time.

"I'm just happy to be back and hopefully we can try and do something similar to that this season or maybe next season - let's see."

The victory over Crawley means Newport have collected four of the six points on offer in League Two so far - while they also progressed into the first round of the Carabao Cup having beaten Barnet on penalties in the preliminary round.

Having finished 22nd under Nelson Jardim last term, Hughes is eyeing significant progress this season.

And Shephard - who was part of the Newport side that reached the fourth tier's play-off final at Wembley just four years ago - says the club can aim high once the new-look squad has had sufficient time to gel.

"Anything can happen in League Two. Morecambe for example, when we played them, no one expected them to be at the top for so long," added Shephard.

"The boys have only been together for four or five weeks. The more games they play together the more understanding you get and I think you saw a lot of good patterns of play today.

"Building those relationships can hopefully lead to good things.

"The boys need to be willing to improve in every game and every training session and if that's the mindset we have, we could go wherever we want to go."