Newport County

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Liam Shephard's Newport County return has been delayed after the defender suffered a setback in his recovery from injury.

Fellow summer signing Matt Smith also continues to be unavailale and will miss Saturday's League Two game against promotion hopefuls Gillingham at Rodney Parade (15:00 BST).

Shephard had been expected to return to the squad in the next week or so, having missed the last six games due to a hamstring injury.

However, manager David Hughes admits the defender will be out for longer than previously anticipated.

"He had a little setback on Tuesday," said Hughes.

"We're disappointed for Liam more than anything, he was gutted, to be fair to him."

The 30-year-old returned for a second spell with the club at the start of August, scoring in his first game against Crawley. However, Shepard has not featured since the last-gasp defeat at Grimsby.

"He's someone within a group that we value really highly," added Hughes.

"He's an outstanding professional, great character, good personality and we'll offer him our support in the next couple of weeks as he looks to come back."

Wales midfielder Smith was Hughes' first signing when he joined from St Johnstone in June. The 25-year-old, who has 19 caps, has missed County's last two league games due to a back problem.

"Matt has had a couple of slight issues and niggles, which we're trying to resolve and manage, and make sure he's physically right to get on the pitch," Hughes explained.

"When he's played we think he's been really positive, but we haven't been able to get a run of games consistently. He's had a hip injury, and a slight back problem which is what he has at the moment.

"We're trying to ensure we're supporting Matt with his return to competitive games and training, and we look forward to seeing him back on the grass at some point in the future."

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We asked you for your thoughts on what Newport County could achieve this season after Dave Hughes' side ended a worrying losing run with the 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers.

Here's a selection of what you had to say:

Russell: "They will get better. They need experience up front to hold the ball up. There is no doubt 50 points is going to be a challenge. Touch & go whether we can stay up."

Adrian: "Only a point but hopefully it will give us much needed confidence. Stats are pretty much even across all games so nothing too drastic to worry about.

Rich: "We can achieve relegation unfortunately. The chairman saying that this squad is better than last year's is ridiculous - and last year it was poor."

Carl: "It's quite clear that major investment is needed just to try and compete on an even playing field. It's tough at the top but it's even tougher at the bottom particularly when you are swimming against the tide trying to hold your head up."

Chris: "I think it's another season of transition while the financial picture is being improved. There are a few signings from last season still needing to prove they are worthy of keeping beyond this season, but the team as a whole are better than last year's version. There are still concerns - too many 'silly' goals conceded and not enough creativity on show."

Ian: "I think it will be a season of challenge again. For Newport to make progress they need a regular team that includes their senior experienced players."

Joe: "If everything clicks into place, we get some experience in the January market and keep everyone fit, a play-off spot could happen. I agree very unlikely, but we just need to believe."

Terry: "Newport's problem is a lack of anyone capable of scoring on a regular basis. Unless they can pick up a goal-scoring free agent, the club could well be mired in a desperate relegation battle by the time of the next transfer window in January!"

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Newport County chairman Huw Jenkins says he understands supporter frustration after the League Two club's difficult start to the season.

But the Exiles' owner insists there is "renewed optimism" at Rodney Parade, claiming the squad is in better shape than when he arrived almost two years ago.

Jenkins was addressing fans in an update before Saturday's 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers, a result that ended a run of six straight defeats in all competitions.

In a statement, Jenkins said summer changes – including bringing in former Manchester United academy coach Dave Hughes to replace Nelson Jardim as boss – had "allowed our club to reset and move forward with renewed optimism for the long season ahead".

The 62-year-old added: "In my opinion, the squad of players we now have is collectively much stronger and an extremely talented group compared to when I joined the club."

Jenkins was approved by fans to complete the takeover of the supporter-owned club in October 2023, with the deal rubber stamped three months later.

The former Swansea City chairman provided a cash injection to stabilise finances and, in his update, highlighted recent "significant developments" including improvements to the club's academy and securing a new training base.

With the side outside the bottom two on goal difference with five points from eight games, Jenkins added: "Belief in what we are doing must be non-negotiable if we are to achieve success. Whilst we can respect our opponents, we need to fear no one as we move forward.

"Football has grown and changed in recent years, and without doubt the standard of teams in League Two is now much higher.

"However, the principles for clubs like ours to compete and succeed remain the same: a fearless approach, solid belief, and confidence in everything we do is the only way to achieve our targets in the months ahead.

"I understand some frustrations are aired when results don't go our way. But I can assure all supporters of Newport County that the management and players are working tirelessly to get our season moving forward in a positive direction. With a consistent level of performance, I am confident the results will follow."

Newport face in-form Gillingham at the weekend after the draw at Tranmere, a result that Hughes said was "an understatement" to call pleasing.

"We've been on a tough run. We've spoken a great deal around fine margins," Hughes said.

"For the players to come back and show the level of grit and determination it reinforces what we think of them as a group and as characters."

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Newport County brought their six-game losing streak in all competitions to an end with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers.

Courtney Baker-Richardson cancelled out Jayden Joseph's first-half opener as the points were shared at Prenton Park.

But will it be another season of battling relegation for the Exiles or can they push on under David Hughes after claiming a valuable point on the road?

Have your say here!

Newport County boss David Hughes on his side's 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers.

Match report: Baker-Richardson grabs late draw for Newport at Tranmere

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Newport County attempt to avoid a seventh straight loss when taking on Tranmere in League Two on Saturday afternoon (15:00 BST).

David Hughes' men have lost five league games on the bounce after a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Championship side Millwall.

Last season under Nelson Jardim, Newport suffered five losses in December and January, while they ended the campaign on a nine-game winless streak.

The Exiles suffered a nightmare end to the 2023-24 season under Graham Coughlan when a hectic schedule courtesy of an FA Cup run led to them falling out of the play-offs picture with eight straight defeats.

That matched the miserable run under Graham Westley in the 2016-17 'Great Escape' campaign.

Newport lost 3-2 at home to Bristol Rovers last weekend when unable to conjure an equaliser after late goals by midfielder Kai Whitmore and Leicester City loanee Nathan Opoko.

"Nobody likes losing, we hate it. The response in the week has been excellent and we have to take that out on the pitch at 3pm," said manager Hughes.

"Supporters, players, staff, we are all in it together and feel the same when it's a defeat. What we have to do is take some positivity from the fact that every game has been very close.

"I can assure supporters that the players and staff are doing absolutely everything to get another positive result on the board."

Tranmere have lost their last two league games against Notts County and Salford.

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Manager David Hughes has demanded that Newport County show their ability to scrap when trying to end a six-game losing streak at Tranmere.

The Exiles travel to Prenton Park in League Two (15:00 BST) after slipping down to 22nd in the table.

Newport were tipped by many for a relegation struggle after finishing the 2024-25 season on a nine-game winless streak.

They started life under Hughes promisingly with a draw against Notts County and 2-1 win at Crawley but a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Championship Millwall has been followed by league losses to Grimsby, Salford, Milton Keynes Dons, Cambridge and Bristol Rovers.

"There's a point in time where it doesn't matter how you do it, you've just got to do it," said the manager, who left his coaching role with Manchester United Under-21s for the Rodney Parade job.

"We have shown in the first couple of performances, and all the way through to a certain degree, the ability to scrap and dig in when up against it."

Newport lost five games on the spin under Nelson Jardim last December and January but responded with a February run that went a long way towards retaining their League Two status.

The Graham Coughlan era ended with eight straight losses to finish the 2023-24 season after they had been on the fringes of the play-offs.

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Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts fears Newport County may have left themselves short in the summer transfer window.

The Exiles go to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday in a League Two encounter (15:00 BST) hoping to end a six-game losing streak in all competitions.

Newport signed Nathan Opoku and Sammy Braybrooke (pictured above) on loan from Leicester City on deadline day.

Goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, defenders Lee Jenkins and Liam Shephard, midfielder Matthew Smith and striker Ged Garner joined on permanent deals earlier in the window, while Manchester United right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, Swansea City midfielder Ben Lloyd and Cardiff City forward Michael Reindorf signed on loan.

But Roberts is concerned about the options at boss David Hughes' disposal.

"They brought in two lads from Leicester. I just get the feeling they needed a bit more than that," Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"I get the feeling Dave needed a bit more help which I don't think he was given by [Newport chairman] Huw Jenkins. It's tough times for Newport."

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Hughes left Manchester United's academy to take his first managerial role at Newport in the summer.

His team made a promising start to the season, overcoming Barnet in the Carabao Cup and taking four points from their first two league games in 2025-26.

But the Welsh club are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference having seen their form collapse.

"It's not nice to see - I have known Dave for a long time," added Roberts, who watched Newport lose 2-0 at Cambridge United just a fortnight ago.

"They are testing times for any manager, losing six games on the spin. But for a new manager in his first appointment, it's even harder.

"We were worried about them at the start of the season. I didn't see anything at Cambridge to change my mind."

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Newport County will be without defender Liam Shephard for another two weeks because of a hamstring strain.

The Exiles will try to end a six-game losing streak when they travel to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon (15:00 BST).

They will once again be without right-sided defender Shephard, who has missed the last four fixtures.

The 30-year-old returned for a second spell with the club at the start of August, scoring on his first game against Crawley. However, he has not featured since the last-gasp defeat at Grimsby.

"He is probably two weeks away from returning," said manager David Hughes. "He is back out on the grass, is running and has joined in with certain elements of sessions.

"We are just trying to make sure we progress his tolerance to training load until he is fully fit.

"He just felt his hamstring was tight so we ensured we didn't risk it unnecessarily. Liam was naturally disappointed but is a great pro, has looked after himself and will be back very shortly."

Newport will have on-loan Swansea City midfielder Ben Lloyd back for the trip to Prenton Park after he missed the 3-2 defeat to Bristol Rovers because of Wales Under-21s duty.

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David Hughes has called on Newport County to get on the front foot against Bristol Rovers this afternoon.

The Exiles head into the League Two fixture at Rodney Parade (12.30 BST) on a five-game losing streak.

They face a Rovers side bidding to bounce back from League One relegation and who are fresh from 1-0 wins against Cambridge United and Grimsby Town.

"They have some strengths and have recruited heavily. Darrell Clarke is vastly experienced and had success at Bristol Rovers the first time around, and elsewhere in his career," said manager Hughes.

"They pose a threat but let's make sure that we are on the front foot and play to get the crowd behind us."

Newport suffered four one-goal losses on the spin until last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Cambridge, with Hughes critical of the performance level for the first time.

"One element that people on the outside may not see is how honest the group are. They hold their hands up and each other to account in those moments," said the manager.

"The overall level of performance last Saturday was not what we strive for, it was one performance that was below the standard that the group have set.

"That happens but we have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Newport did the double over the Gas when they last met in League Two in 2021-22, winning 1-0 at Rodney Parade thanks to James Waite's goal and a super save at the death by Nick Townsend.

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Newport County goalkeeper Nik Tzanev is poised to play in the Severnside derby against Bristol Rovers rather than the 'Soccer Ashes' with New Zealand against Australia.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to life at Rodney Parade after joining from Northampton Town in the summer.

Tzanev has made seven appearances and is likely to make that eight in Saturday's League Two fixture against Rovers at Rodney Parade (12:30 BST).

Regular action meant that the New Zealander was left out of his national squad for the back-to-back games against Australia.

Millwall's Max Crocombe was in goal for the All Whites when they went down 1-0 to Max Balard's 87th-minute winner in Canberra on Friday.

The teams face each other again on Tuesday in Auckland but Tzanev has remained in Wales to try and keep his starting spot ahead of fellow summer signing Jordan Wright.

"The call that we took from New Zealand was that it would be beneficial for him to stay and continue to play games," said Newport manager David Hughes.

"I am really pleased with his progress and he has performed really well, as has Jordan. There is a real competitiveness between them for the start.

"We are pleased that Nik is here and the games that he has played are adding to his progress towards more New Zealand caps."

Newport are without Swansea City loanee Ben Lloyd because the midfielder is on Wales Under-21s duty for Monday's Euro U21 qualifier against Denmark.

Rovers are without Swansea loanee Joel Cotterill because of that Rodney Parade fixture and also Wales Under-19s prospect Ollie Dewsbury, who misses a game with his hometown club.

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Newport County are still hoping to bring players in ahead of the transfer deadline after just one win in their opening six League Two games.

County are 20th in the table after a 2-0 defeat at Cambridge United on Saturday, highlighting the need for additions to the squad.

"We're actively trying," said Hughes, who has so far made six permanent signings and brought in three loanees.

"The chairman's been terrific in trying to get some new faces in and still doing so at this moment in time.

"So, we're on the front foot, trying to be proactive to get some players in before the window shuts on Monday evening."

Hughes said "honest, frank discussions" would be held this week following the Cambridge defeat and before Saturday's game against Bristol Rovers.

But Hughes insisted he backed the players "100% to turn it around".

"We can't get caught up with a result. We have to understand why it happened and ensure it doesn't happen again," Hughes added.

Image source, BBC Sport

After picking up four points in the opening two games of the season, Newport County have since lost four League Two games in a row.

The most recent, a 2-0 defeat away at Cambridge United, has seen the Exiles drop to 20th in the table.

All four defeats have come against teams in the top 11 of the table, but there will be concerns about the lack of goals scored.

So how would you rate Newport County's start to the season?

Have your say here!

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Newport County need to find a ruthless edge at Cambridge United after being edged out in their last four games, says boss David Hughes.

The manager has been pleased with performances but frustrated with results after losing 1-0 to Championship Millwall in the Carabao Cup then 2-1 to Grimsby, 1-0 to Salford and 2-1 to Milton Keynes Dons in League Two.

The Exiles now try to halt the slide when taking on Cambridge at Abbey Stadium this afternoon (15:00 BST).

"On another day those four games could have gone for us, but they didn't, let's not sugar coat things," said Hughes.

"We had our moments but need a ruthless edge in both boxes because we have been really pleased with huge aspects of the performances and disappointed with outcomes."

Hughes now locks horns with his former Cardiff colleague Neil Harris, who returned for a second spell with Cambridge in February, but could not save them from League One relegation.

The U's are fresh from a Carabao Cup upset of Championship Charlton that has earned them a tie at Premier League Fulham.

"Neil is an experienced manager and a really honest and humble person who wants to get the best out of people," said Hughes.

"Cambridge are a good side and we are expecting a really competitive game. We are aware of their threats, but the emphasis is on ourselves and imposing ourselves on the game."

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Newport County remain in the hunt for new recruits before transfer deadline day after suffering disappointments at the start of this week.

The Exiles will have no fresh faces in their squad for Saturday's League Two trip to Cambridge United (15:00 BST).

However, manager David Hughes remains hopeful that he will bolster his ranks before the deadline on Monday, 1 September (19:00 BST).

"We missed out on a couple of players in the first part of the week, which is just how it goes," said the boss, who has so far made six permanent signings and brought in three loanees.

"Players make their decisions and it's not just about football, it can come down to logistics, family and support networks.

"We are still speaking to people and hope to be busy before the deadline; we have a few spaces to be working on.

"It's never straightforward, we are gathering information on players and need to make sure they are the right fit."

Newport drew 2-2 with a PFA team of free agents at Rodney Parade on Wednesday, with their goals scored by academy prospect Harri Pugh and striker Ged Garner.

Centre-back Jaden Warner made his return from a pre-season knee injury while defender or midfielder Ciaran Brennan worked towards full fitness after a summer shoulder operation.

"Everybody came through the game and it was massively beneficial," said Hughes, who also fielded academy attacker Myles McKenzie.

The Exiles will attempt to end a four-game losing streak at Cambridge after being edged out by Millwall in the Carabao Cup and Salford City, Grimsby Town and Milton Keynes Dons in the league.

Hughes watched the U's beat Championship side Charlton Athletic 3-1 on Tuesday to earn a shot at Premier League team Fulham in the third round.

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Forward Oliver Greaves has left Newport County by mutual consent.

The 25-year-old had not played for the League Two side this season and was named on the bench just once, when he was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup defeat to Millwall.

Greaves, who joined last summer from Mickleover in the Northern Premier League on a two-year contract, has now left to try and get regular action.

"Everyone at Newport County would like to thank Oliver for his commitment and efforts during his time with the club and we wish him every success in the future," read a club statement.

Greaves, who came through Sheffield United's academy, made just 19 appearances and scored three goals against Cheltenham Town, West Ham United Under-21s and AFC Wimbledon.

David Hughes' side attempt to end a four-game losing streak when they travel to Cambridge United in League Two on Saturday (15:00 BST).

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Newport County will give their squad game time when taking on the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) team of free agents on Wednesday.

The Exiles have agreed to a fixture against the PFA pre-season XI behind closed doors at Rodney Parade (13:00 BST) prior to their weekend trip to Cambridge United.

David Hughes will get the chance to give minutes to his wider squad and it could be an opportunity for centre-back Jaden Warner, who suffered a knee injury in pre-season, to make a return.

Newport have suffered four narrow defeats on the spin to Grimsby, Salford and Milton Keynes Dons in League Two, plus Championship Millwall in the Carabao Cup.

The PFA initiative gives a chance for unattached players to get sharp and earn a contract, which defender Liam Shephard achieved when earning a Rodney Parade return earlier this month.

The squad includes recent former Exiles Declan Drysdale, Kyle Jameson and Jermaine Hylton and Saikou Janneh.

Former Swansea striker Fabio Borini, ex-Manchester United, West Ham and Lazio midfielder Ravel Morrison, Connor Wickham, Britt Assombalonga and Hakeeb Adelakun are other notable names in the PFA group, who also go up against Leyton Orient on Tuesday.