Newport County

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says his side must move on quickly from their heaviest defeat of the season.

The Exiles were beaten 5-0 at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, their third consecutive loss on the road.

"A tough week after a defeat like that is never easy, but I think it's gone now and we have to refocus for the next one," said Jardim.

Having won four games in a row during February, Newport have now lost four of their last five League Two fixtures, with their Portuguese head coach critical in recent weeks of performances and mentality.

However, after the mid-week trouncing at the Wham Stadium, Jardim acknowledged few words were needed.

"The players, straight after the game, were telling a couple of truths, I didn't need to speak too much," he revealed.

"We didn't start the game in the best way, with a lack of intensity and aggression that the opposition had. The boys know that if they aren't at that level, this is what happens."

County will be back on home ground on Saturday when they face Harrogate Town, a match which will see the return to Rodney Parade of former player Bryn Morris who left to join the Sulphurites in January.

"It was a massive signing for them," said Jardim.

"He's an important player, playing every game and has settled in very well. More importantly, him and his family are happy, and that's something we as a club value highly.

"We've obviously missed him but we've found ways to overcome that."

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Newport County are set to be without Cameron Antwi for at least 10 days as the midfielder continues to follow concussion protocols.

The 23-year-old was withdrawn during the Exiles' 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday - being replaced by Kieron Evans in the 79th minute at the SMH Group Stadium.

He was left out of the matchday squad for his side's 5-0 loss to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night and is set to miss Saturday's fixture with Harrogate Town at Rodney Parade (15:00 GMT).

"He had a knock to his head in the last game, that's why he came off," Nelson Jardim told BBC Sport Wales.

"He's going to be out for the next 10 to 12 days. He's following the head concussion protocol."

The only positive on what was a sobering night for Newport at the Wham Stadium was the return of Ciaran Brennan from injury.

The Irishman missed 11 League Two matches after dislocating his shoulder in Newport's 3-2 loss at Port Vale on 18 January.

But he was listed among the substitutes in Lancashire on Tuesday and was brought off the bench in the 56th minute.

"It is (a boost). You could see he gave a little bit more options," added Jardim.

"His match fitness is probably not ready to play for 90 minutes, he's been away for a while now."

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Nelson Jardim described Newport County's 5-0 loss at Accrington Stanley as a "wake-up call to everyone" at the club.

The Exiles turned in a dire display at the Wham Stadium and found themselves three goals behind after just 26 minutes in Lancashire.

They ended the contest having failed to register a single shot on target, and Jardim said both he and his players have to take the blame for what was a torrid night on the road.

"Very disappointing, this is a wake-up call to everyone," he told BBC sport Wales.

"The two teams started with different levels of desire and aggression and that's the reason we were down 3-0 after 25 minutes.

"When it's like that it's very hard. When you lose 5-0 you don't need to talk too much, the result speaks for itself.

"It's not only down to me to find reasons for that. Some of the players will have to find reasons as well."

Following a 2-1 loss at Chesterfield on Saturday, Jardim told his players they need to "grow up and toughen up".

And the Portuguese head coach says his side can ill-afford a repeat of their performance against John Doolan's side - their heaviest loss of the campaign - during their League Two run-in.

"They (players) have missed another chance to show what they can do," added Jardim.

"We still have 10 games to go and what we have seen today can't happen again.

"When you lose 5-0 it's better to keep your head down and work hard."

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Harsh words will be ringing in the ears of Newport County's players as they prepare for their League Two match at Accrington on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Head coach Nelson Jardim has told them they need to "grow up and toughen up" after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield - their third defeat in four games.

Jardim was angry at the manner County conceded "two soft goals" just minutes after Matt Baker had put them 1-0 up on the stroke of half time.

The Portuguese boss said they can no longer use the fact that they are a young team as an excuse for mistakes or their inconsistency in League Two.

Now Jardim has warned them their long-term futures in the game are on the line.

"What is worrying me is we can't hide behind the fact we are young," he said.

"Yes, we finished the game with Matt Baker, with Joe Thomas, with [Anthony] Glennon, with Kieron Evans, with Josh Martin, with Kai Whitmore...all young boys.

"But they're good players and they have to perform in a consistent manner.

"It's for their futures, for their careers, they have to see that. They have to stand up and grow up as quickly as possible.

"They can't be the best four days ago, and then not perform at least at the same level."

Fans must have thought County had turned a corner after four successive wins in February, but they have followed that up by producing just one victory in five.

Newport now face an Accrington side who they beat 3-1 at Rodney Parade in August, with Stanley seven points above the relegation zone after five defeats from their last seven league games.

The game at Wham Stadium was originally scheduled for 11 January, but was rearranged due to Accrington's FA Cup third-round tie at Liverpool.

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says forward David Ajiboye "ticks all the boxes".

The 26-year-old joined the Exiles on loan from League One Peterborough United in the January transfer window.

Ajiboye has scored two goals since joining League Two Newport, and was instrumental in all three goals against Gillingham on Tuesday evening.

"Ajiboye had a very good game, he has definitely improved our team," said Jardim.

"He was involved in all three goals, but it is about the teamwork, effort and work ethic in this club.

"You can see clearly why we signed him. He ticks all the boxes in terms of the quality at this level.

"The impact he has on the team, in the dressing room and in the games, and his character are perfect fits for me."

Ajiboye's contract with Peterborough expires at the end of the season, at which point he would be free to join any team.

And Jardim expressed his desire to bring Ajiboye back to Rodney Parade next season.

"I don't want to make too many changes," said Jardim.

"You always have to speak to the players, because it is not just about what I want or the club wants.

"Players will try and move and try and get better deals and clubs, that's part of football.

"But the club needs players like him, as long as we are all on the same page hopefully he will stay."

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Newport County defender Kyle Jameson has suffered a grade two tear in his calf.

The 26-year-old was not included in Newport's Tuesday evening squad for their 3-1 win over Gillingham.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said the defender had concerns when arriving to training on Thursday, and the club received the results of the scan on Friday morning.

"I've just had the text to say he has got a tear in his quad," said Jardim.

"It's a grade two tear, I will have to speak with physios.

"I'm not sure how many days or weeks, but he's not going to be available [against Chesterfield]."

Jardim also confirmed that January signing Keenan Patten is nearing a return.

"Keenan is still recovering from his knee injury," said Jardim.

"There is nothing wrong with the knee, he just still feels a little discomfort and pain.

"We are lucky now to have Kai [Whitmore] back, Kieron Evans back, and we still have Noah [Mawene].

"Macca [Shane McLoughlin] is doing a good job in the middle, and Cameron Antwi.

"So we are not finding excuses, just solutions."

The Exiles travel to Chesterfield on Saturday afternoon, with both teams a long way off both the play-offs and relegation zone.

Jardim says his core principles remain the same, despite promotion and relegation both being extremely unlikely at this stage.

"We are very clear in what we want to do," said Jardim.

"The motivation, stamina and consistency has to be part of us, we are here but we want more.

"Wanting more every day is one of our principles and it cannot change."

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Nelson Jardim says Newport County must give young players like Jaden Warner time to prove they can become Rodney Parade regulars.

Defender Warner made his Exiles debut in Tuesday's victory over Gillingham having joined the League Two club from Norwich City in January.

It was just Warner's second appearance of 2024-25, and his first in the EFL since a loan spell at Notts County last season.

The 22-year-old played the first 76 minutes as Jardim's side won for the first time in four games.

"When you bring young players in you have to be patient, you have to build them," the County head coach said.

"Sometimes people don't understand why we do things, but we have to make sure they grow because they are not an end product, if I can say that.

"He [Warner] has to impose himself as a starter. That's why we signed him not only for this season but next season."

The Gillingham victory means Newport are 15th in the table, 12 points adrift of the play-off places and 14 clear of the relegation zone, ahead of Saturday's trip to Chesterfield.

Even if the Welsh side look destined for a mid-table finish this season, Jardim insists there is plenty for inexperienced players like Warner to play for.

"It's down to the players to show us they can be the starters at the start of next season, or they will be the second option and fighting for their spot," Jardim added.

"If they show the attitude they have shown [against Gillingham], you don't need to think too much."

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Nelson Jardim says mentality is key for Newport County in what remains of the League Two season after they bounced back to form with victory over Gillingham.

Bobby Kamwa struck a 21st minute hat-trick as the Exiles claimed a 3-1 win on Tuesday night.

Newport's first win in four games means they are 15th in the table, 12 points adrift of the play-off places and 14 clear of the relegation zone.

Head coach Jardim says the Gillingham performance set the tone for the final 12 fixtures of the season, with a trip to 16th-placed Chesterfield to come next this weekend.

"Let's make sure everyone is still focused and everyone knows there are a lot of games to play," Jardim said.

"The right mentality moving forward is what we have shown [against Gillingham]. We need to make sure we bring that in every game.

"We have to try to bring more wins into this club. You can only do that with the right attitude and mentality."

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Hat-trick hero Bobby Kamwa says he is grateful for his "great connection" with Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim.

The Cameroon-born forward joined the Exiles after leaving Burton Albion last summer and has featured in all but two of his side's 39 matches in all competitions this season.

And the 24-year-old is thankful to Portuguese boss Jardim for sticking by him during his tougher spells in his debut campaign at Rodney Parade.

"It's been up and down but I've thoroughly enjoyed it," Kamwa said of his time at Newport so far.

"I'm going to give a special mention to the gaffer for sticking with me when things haven't gone well.

"I'm enjoying working with him. We've got a great connection and I try to repay the faith that he's put in me.

"The boys have been great with me and everyone works their socks off."

Kamwa netted three goals in the opening 30 minutes as Newport ended their three-game winless run by beating Gillingham 3-1 on Tuesday night.

It was the winger's second hat-trick of the season following his treble against MK Dons in December.

"Personally, I'm delighted. The team count on me and I've got a lot on my shoulders," he said.

"That's for me to prove to everyone that I can take the team forward and carry on helping the team to win games.

"Sometimes I can pull a lot of things out of my locker, so I'm buzzing."

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Newport County boss Nelson Jardim has warned his mis-firing players they are making decisions on their own futures with their performances.

And he says whether they want to stay or leave the League Two club, they will need to be better than in recent weeks.

County lost 3-0 for a second game in a row at the weekend, their defeat at Doncaster Rovers coming seven days after the same scoreline at home against Cheltenham Town.

Jardim called the former "just not good enough" and has demanded a response in Tuesday's home fixture with Gillingham.

Newport had a large turnover of players last term and Jardim has previously stated he did not envisage a similar summer of change, but he warned: "Any player not really focussed on here with us, we have to make decisions.

"We have been very, very clear with the players – they have to show. If they want to stay or even if they want to get a move then they have to perform at their best.

"At this level (of performance), both things can happen – they could not stay or not get a move.

"I want a reaction, show some desire, show some pride, because (Doncaster) wasn't good enough."

Newport remain 14 points clear of the relegation places after a recent spell that saw them go six games unbeaten, but Jardim says it is defensive mistakes and not complacency that is costing them.

"The way that we conceded goals was just not good enough," he added.

"We conceded goals from individual mistakes and that is costing us - some of the goals we are conceding are unbelievable. You cannot have that level of performance.

"We have to analyse and make sure we are stronger on Tuesday because it's a massive game against Gillingham and we have to compete."

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim has urged his players not to let the season fade away.

After a decent run of form, the Exiles have slipped off the pace in their recent League Two outings.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Doncaster Rovers, they are 16th in the table, 14 points above the relegation zone.

And while that position offers some safety, Jardim is eager to push on for better performances in the remaining 12 games of the season.

"I definitely want to see that they have the right competitive attitude," he said.

"I think that's massive, not only here, everywhere.

"If they haven't got that, then I think they are in trouble with us, as well as a club.

"That work rate, that competitiveness that they have to show, every game has to be there."

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Cheltenham Town's weekend victory at Rodney Parade saw Michael Flynn maintain his impressive record against his old club - but the former Newport County boss insists he does not enjoy seeing the Exiles lose.

Flynn is now unbeaten in six matches against Newport since he left County in 2021.

Newport had come into their latest Flynn reunion in fine form, but saw a six-game unbeaten run end in emphatic fashion as they were beaten 3-0 on Saturday.

Flynn made his name at Newport, first as a player and then as manager.

But speaking about his fine return from matches against his home-city club, Flynn said: "I don't even look at it.

"I don't like seeing Newport lose but I have to be professional and do the job I'm paid to do."

County are 16th in the League Two table having suffered a first league defeat since 24 January.

They face a stern challenge as they attempt to respond at high-flying Doncaster Rovers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

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Nelson Jardim admits he was frustrated to see Courtney Baker-Richardson receive a red card during Newport County's 3-0 defeat by Cheltenham Town as it leaves the Exiles' striker options even thinner.

Former Swansea forward Baker-Richardson, 29, was shown a second yellow card and subsequently a red in the 83rd minute of Newport's heavy defeat against former manager Michael Flynn's side at Rodney Parade.

It means he will be suspended for Saturday's trip to Doncaster Rovers (15:00 GMT), while Kyle Hudlin is set to miss most of the remainder of the campaign due to a calf injury.

"You see what CBR (Baker-Richardson) was telling the fourth official, it's what they normally do. He was fouled and their third goal came after that," said Jardim.

"He was just saying what everyone does, not only in this league, everywhere. He already had a yellow card and that will be one less option for us in the next game.

"We'll have to find a solution and let's speak with the boys to make sure they don't repeat this, but I don't think that was anything special.

"We've shown throughout the season that we always find a solution. This is just another problem that we have to face and we will come up with a good answer."

David Ajiboye was not included in the Newport squad for the contest with Cheltenham, and Jardim revealed the 26-year-old had been in hospital with his wife.

"His wife was due [to give birth] so he's in the hospital. First of all, congratulations to Ajiboye, his family is growing," added Jardim.

"He was actually starting today but you cannot control these things. You just have to congratulate the players in this case because he's just had his first son."

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Mike Flynn has praised the work of Nelson Jardim as he prepares to face former club Newport County.

Cheltenham Town boss Flynn made his name at the Exiles, first as a player with his hometown club, then as the manager who orchestrated a 'Great Escape' from relegation to non-league before FA Cup upsets over Leeds United and Leicester City.

The former postman also delivered two play-offs finals in his five years in charge before leaving in October in 2021.

Spells at Walsall and Swindon Town followed, but he will return to Rodney Parade with Cheltenham having struck up a friendship with the man who now occupies the County hot-seat, Jardim.

Jardim, whose side are on a six game unbeaten run, revealed the pair have chatted football over dinner together, and said: "He's a manager who knows the club very well.

"He's someone I like, he's been great with me and we talk a lot.

"He's been there whenever I need, he's been great to me. He's a local boy, he knows this club better than anyone else. He knows it inside out, but when we talk we don't talk about Newport, we talk about the league, other clubs, other players."

And Flynn knows, it seems, that Jardim deserves praise.

"Nelson has done a really good job," said Flynn, part of the team that won promotion to the Football League in 2013. "I know how tough it is: limited budgets, a big overhaul in the summer. I can't speak highly enough of him, he's done excellent. I hope he has a blip (on Saturday) and then carries on his good work."

County are 15th in League Two, with Cheltenham one point better off in 14th, while also having a game in hand.