Newport County

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Newport County have precious little in common with Premier League leaders Liverpool – but they share one claim this season.

Neither Newport nor the Anfield giants have been involved in a league draw this season.

In all, five clubs in the top four divisions of the pyramid are yet to draw a league game in 2024-25.

Fans of Championship outfit Derby County, League One side Huddersfield Town and Grimsby Town – the team immediately below 10th-placed Newport in League Two – are the others who are yet to witness a league draw.

Newport were on course for a share of the points when they equalised against Bradford on Monday, before two late goals saw them fall to a 3-1 defeat at Valley Parade.

Asked why his team do not do draws, midfielder Bryn Morris said: “That comes down to game management. We could be better with that, especially when it's late on and we are level.

“It’s probably good for the neutrals but we would have liked to have put a point on the board [at Bradford] rather than none.”

Head coach Jardim pointed to a “little detail” which helped consign his side to defeat in Yorkshire.

Morris agreed, saying: “I feel that a couple of moments were just the difference in the game.

“[But] we have to take confidence into the next game. We had a really good spell for a good 20 minutes at the start of the second half when we were on top and created good chances. There were just moments that cost us.”

Newport return to Yorkshire on Saturday when they face Harrogate Town, meaning they will have clocked up more than 1000 miles on the road in six days.

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Former Grimsby player Morris says it is up to players to cope with the demands of a taxing week.

“It comes down to being a good professional and looking after your body," he said.

"We will go again on Wednesday after resting and recovering. It’s sleeping right, eating right and flushing out the legs.”

Morris is encouraged by the way the Newport squad is gelling after a summer overhaul.

Newport are a point outside the play-offs and only four points behind leaders Walsall.

“It does take time because we had a massive turnaround of players, but we were all disappointed [in Bradford] because of the levels and standards that we set in the previous few games," Morris added.

“We pick ourselves up for another long journey. If we take three points from that then it’s three wins out of four, so we are getting better and there’s more to come.”

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Former captain and current player liaison officer Mark O'Brien believes Newport County are in a "phenomenal" position considering the significant changes made at the club over the summer.

The Exiles parted company with boss Graham Coughlan in June before bringing in Nelson Jardim as head coach.

They also recruited 17 players during the course of what was Huw Jenkins' first full transfer window as chairman.

Jardim's side are 10th after the opening 10 matches of the League Two campaign, sitting just four points adrift of leaders Walsall.

O'Brien says Newport are heading in the right direction following a major overhaul at Rodney Parade.

"In all fairness, it was a little bit of a surprise at the beginning because there was a lot of bedding-in to do with a whole new squad, but I think they've taken to the challenge well. I think the season has been really good," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"To be in the position that we're in at the moment is phenomenal.

"To know that this group is only going to get better and stronger in time, I think it's very exciting times for Newport.

"I think the whole culture of the club is a lot more positive. It's a younger and fresher squad, there's a big difference [compared to last season]. I think it's heading in a positive direction."

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Marc Lloyd Williams believes Newport County remain "on the right track" under Nelson Jardim despite showing "inexperience" during their loss to Bradford City.

Kyle Hudlin's second half header at Valley Parade cancelled out Andy Cook's 39th minute opener as Newport improved after the restart.

But James Walker restored the Bantams' lead on 75 minutes at a point where Newport's Bobby Kamwa was off the pitch changing his boots - with Bobby Pointon netting a late goal to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.

And BBC Sport Wales pundit Lloyd Williams believes the Exiles showed naivety as they fell behind for a second time with 15 minutes of the contest remaining.

"If you have to change your boots, it is what it is, you have to reassess," he told Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast.

"Sometimes you work on that on the training ground, if you're down to 10 men, playing against 11, you adapt to the other team who have the extra man.

"Maybe it's a bit of inexperience within the squad, but they should have just got everyone behind the ball until [Kamwa] returned to the field."

Despite defeat to Graham Alexander's side, Newport sit 10th in League Two after 10 games and find themselves just four points adrift of leaders Walsall.

Lloyd Williams believes boss Jardim - who replaced Graham Coughlan as head coach in the summer - will be pleased with the progress his side are making.

"They're only four points off the top of the table," he added.

"There are plenty of games to go. They're on the right track, Nelson Jardim will be fairly satisfied with how the season has gone so far."

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Nelson Jardim pinpointed a “little detail” which put the boot into Newport County’s hopes of a League Two reward at Bradford City.

Head coach Jardim felt Bobby Kamwa (above right) changing his boots was a contributory factor in Bradford’s second goal – scored by James Walker – as the home side ran out 3-1 winners, at Valley Parade.

A Kyle Hudlin header had helped Newport pull back to 1-1 midway through the second half when Walker struck on 75 minutes.

Jardim said: “I thought we were the better team, I felt we were close to the second goal, we did create chances.

“Then just one little detail – Bobby changed his boots - and at that moment he had to be out for a period of time.

"When he came on, obviously we were not in the slots we were supposed to be and when you are not there, those chances come.

“That goal came in that period where I felt it was unfair, but we have to learn from those mistakes and build on.

“I just felt there were a lot of positives from this game and we go away proud, but knowing we can still improve.”

As for Kamwa, his fleetfooted winger, Jardim said: “He knows. He is not going to do it again because I am going to keep his boots locked!”

Jardim was frustrated by the defeat, but understands his young side are still developing.

“You come up with this when you work with young boys it’s little things we have to learn from," he said.

“But sometimes we have not got time, they have to grow quick otherwise they get punished and we didn’t deserve to lose the game the way we did.

“But it is a learning curve and we have to focus in our learning process on the positives.”

The defeat came after two home wins over Crewe and Salford City and consigned Newport to their fourth league reverse on the road. Their only away win came in a 1-0 triumph at Morecambe on 31 August 31.

Newport slipped one place to tenth in the table as Bradford leapt above them into ninth. But both sides are only a point outside the play-off positions after ten games.

The Exiles return to Yorkshire on Saturday as they travel to play Harrogate Town.

Newport will be without left back Anthony Glennon, who collected his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the Bradford defeat.

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Newport County will tonight face a Bradford City team hoping they have come through the other side of an injury crisis.

And that could include going up against Northern Ireland international Corry Evans who has been snapped-up on a short-term deal to plug a midfield shortage.

Bradford have not won in their last four League Two outings having been hit hard by fitness problems.

Bantams boss Graham Alexander says he has been without seven of the side who started the campaign in August, including three centre-backs and three central midfielders being left unavailable.

Bradford had already recently signed former Leeds and Preston defender Paul Huntington for cover at the back following his release from Carlisle United at the end of last season.

And now they have added 69-cap midfielder Evans - who has arrived on a short-term deal after leaving Sunderland in May.

The 34-year-old Evans, a former Black Cats captain who also appeared for Blackburn and Hull, started Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 1-0 exit at the hands of Wales in Paris.

The younger brother of Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, he could go straight into the squad for County’s trip to Yorkshire if paperwork is completed following yesterday’s switch.

On the issues he's faced, Alexander said: “We have no other option at the moment apart from being pragmatic about our situation.

“Another option would be to give up and that is not on anyone’s mind here, so we must find a solution to our issues. I know how much work and effort this group of players put in every day and if they let themselves down, I tell them.

“But they continue to show great character and great grit. The players consistently show the desire to win, and I praised them for that.

"I said at half time that this is just a sport and that we have to love playing this game and in the second half they showed the right determination and attitude that they need to show again on Monday night.”

Despite their problems, Bradford remain unbeaten in seven at home while Newport have managed to avoid defeat just once on the road in four league games so far this year, the 1-0 win at Morecambe.

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Newport head coach Nelson Jardim has challenged captain Aaron Wildig to have his best goal season yet.

The 32-year-old is Newport's top scorer this season having netted four times in the league playing in a role behind the main striker.

He notched ten goals in helping previous club Morecambe to promotion from the fourth tier in 2021, when the Shrimpers beat Mike Flynn’s Newport in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

And Jardim said he has set Wildig the target of going beyond that tally.

“He is such an important player for us and I was spot on when I named him and James Clarke as captains," said Jardim.

“I don’t hide it, I like players like Aaron. He is very technical, he has that craft in front of goal and final third movement.”

Wildig added to his tally in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Salford City at Rodney Parade, just three days after beating Crewe.

Newport will be without Matt Baker who is with Wales under-21s preparing for their crunch qualifier against Czech Republic at Rodney Parade next Friday.

Ciaran Brennan is an option but Newport hope Clarke could make a timely return to the defence having been sidelined since August with a leg injury.

Jardim admitted the joint captain has been missed.

“Unfortunately, we saw that in a bad way but, looking for positives, that gave an opportunity for others to be exposed and that only makes them improve," he said.

“The fact he was not there was not good. He could not help the youngsters but they actually learned because he was not there. It's that improvement and progress we are looking for."

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Newport County will be without Matt Baker for Monday's League Two trip to Bradford City due to his Wales international call-up.

Baker, 21, will be with the Wales Under-21 squad preparing for their crunch Euro 2025 qualifier with Czech Republic, at Rodney Parade, in Newport on Friday, 11 October.

Newport head coach Nelson Jardim did inquire as to whether under-21s skipper Baker might be able to play in the Bradford game before joining up with the national squad.

But under-21 boss Matty Jones, a good friend of Jardim's, wants all his players in camp from the start of the week for a match which could see Wales qualify for the under-21 finals for the first time in their history.

And despite the absence of the consistent Baker, who joined permanently from Stoke City in the summer, Jardim understands the situation.

He says the absence of any player would "disturb" preparations for a significant international.

"They are on grass from Monday," said Jardim.

"As a coach I know it's important to have all your players available, that is no different for Matt so he will be there on Monday."

Baker has played predominantly as a centre-back for Newport this season.

The Exiles will go to Valley Parade looking to build on back-to-back victories in League Two. Tuesday's 3-1 home win over Salford City followed a 2-1 success against Crewe last Saturday, with Baker heading the winning goal.

Captain James Clarke is close to a return having been out since late August after a leg injury. He will be assessed over the weekend as Jardim contemplates his starting line-up without Baker.

Jardim said: "I think it's a big thing when you play for your country. I know that. I told him make sure you are focused and the best you can be for your country.

"Matt is happy for that. Every player is just proud and we are also proud we have a player like him playing for Wales in such an important and exciting period for the under-21s with Matty Jones, who is someone I like.

"He is a friend of mine, a good coach, a really good guy. I wish them all the best and Matt [Baker] will be there helping the country."

Ciaran Brennan, who returned from suspension on the bench against Salford, is also vying for a starting place at Bradford.

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Nelson Jardim says consistency is key for Newport County as the Exiles look to continue their promising start to the season.

Newport are ninth in the League Two table – and outside the play-off places on goal difference – after victories over Crewe Alexandra and Salford City.

Jardim’s team are yet to draw in nine league games this season, with their form undulating dramatically in the first two months of the campaign.

After being beaten at Cheltenham on the opening day, Newport won three successive league matches then lost three in a row before their two triumphs this week.

“It’s important to keep the consistency,” said head coach Jardim, whose side are back in action at Bradford City next Monday.

“We had a little bit of a dip two or three weeks ago but I think you can see clearly, injuries and red cards didn’t help.

“We are looking to improve, making sure we can keep consistent in training sessions [and] the way we play with the same principles.

“We don’t expect to win every game but we expect to compete for win in every game.”

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Newport County striker Kyle Hudlin described his height as his "super strength" following their 3-1 win over Salford City.

The on-loan Huddersfield striker headed the Exiles ahead early on, and showed nice footwork to set up Aaron Wildig for County's second goal.

Hudlin was making just his second start for Newport, but said he had hoped to be on the scoresheet for the League Two side even sooner.

"It's taken longer than I wanted it to but it's good to get off the mark and get my first Newport goal," said Hudlin.

"It [the corner kick routine] was worked on, I knew with the double movement they didn't know who was going to go where.

"I knew I'd get the opportunity, it was all about the contact and delivering."

At 6ft 9in, Hudlin is among the tallest professional football players in the world, but he does not to become a one-trick pony.

"My size is a super strength, it's about utilising it to the best of my ability," added Hudlin.

"It's about eliminating the defenders at source, and then it's about bringing people into play and getting on the end of crosses.

"But I don't want to be known for just one strength, then you become predictable, so I'm working on every part of my craft and perfecting it."

Victory over Salford moved Newport level on points with the League Two play-off places after nine games played.

The win was County's second in four days at Rodney Parade, after a 2-1 triumph over Crewe the previous Saturday.

"I'm over the moon for the boys to keep the momentum going," said Hudlin.

"Now it's about kicking on and seeing where we can take this."

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Nelson Jardim says Newport County have not been contacted by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) about proposals that could see Wales’ EFL clubs have the chance to secure European football via a Welsh cup competition.

Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport County are currently only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.

The new proposal – titled Prosiect Cymru – has been made to Uefa, the Football Association, Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier.

But Exiles boss Jardim says his side have received no contact from the FAW about the potential route to European football.

"I've seen that in the news, but the only thing I can say is that the club hasn't been contacted by the FAW about that," he told BBC Radio Wales.

"I haven't got an opinion about that, I'm just focused on developing the players and the team."

Jardim's side sit ninth in League Two following their 3-1 win over Salford City at Rodney Parade on Tuesday.

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Newport County’s Ciaran Brennan returns from a three match ban for Tuesday’s League Two home game with Salford City.

And head coach Nelson Jardim not only believes the 24-year-old has learned the lessons of his red card but has also revealed he is seen as a future captain of the club.

Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Brennan was given his marching orders in the 4-1 home defeat by Port Vale in a game which finished with Newport fielding just nine men, as Kyle Jameson was also dismissed later for two yellow cards.

Republic of Ireland under-19 player Brennan saw red after kicking out during an off the ball incident with Port Vale skipper Ben Garrity.

Jardim has watched the skirmish with Brennan and said: “It was an experienced player, playing a bit with a young player learning the game. He [Brennan] got carried away with that situation.

“But he did learn and obviously it is always a moment when you have to accept that things can go wrong. If you are not focussed, if you are not in that task and if you get too emotional, things can go wrong.”

Brennan, who has had loan spells at Notts County, Swindon and Hartlepool, has played in a holding midfield role and in the backline for Newport.

His hunger for the task and desire to receive the ball and be a part of the game has shone through in his performances and those attributes have not been lost on Jardim.

Indeed the Newport head coach believes Brennan has already shown leadership qualities on the field.

Jardim said: “I played him in a couple of positions to get to know him better. But he is a leader, he has that.

“ He leads, not only in the game but in training as well. He has that in him. We see him as someone who can actually be one of the captains for this club.”

Meanwhile Newport will be hoping current team captain Aaron Wildig will be available for the game after suffering a back spasm in Saturday’s win over Crewe Alexandra.

Wildig, who has netted three goals this season, was substituted after 73 minutes against Crewe and will be assessed.

But if Wildig is passed fit, the return of Brennan will leave Jardim with the enviable selection dilemma of whether to change the starting line-up against Salford, having seen his side end a run of three consecutive league defeats with the win over Crewe.

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Cameron Evans says he missed the "special moment" which was the catalyst for Newport County to end their League Two losing streak.

Former Swansea City youngster Evans scored with a stunning 20-yard shot to put Newport on the road to a 2-1 home win over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

But Evans said: “To be honest I did not see it go in at the time.

“I struck it, looked up and it was in the net. I was chuffed but I didn’t know what to do. I don’t score many goals and I did not know how to celebrate. I was buzzing.”

Newport’s win - against one of League Two's fancied teams - ended a three-game losing streak in the fourth tier.

Evans, 23, pointed to the defensive grit Newport showed as Crewe bounced back with an equaliser only for Wales Under-21 skipper Matt Baker to pop up with the winner.

Evans, who joined Newport in the summer on a two-year deal after a season at Taunton, said: “It was massive for us, the character we showed and defensively getting in, making blocks and covering each other.

"Crewe are a very good side and will be up there. they had won their last four and we had lost the last three league games, so it was massive for us.

“Now it's important for us to push on. We have to follow it up on Tuesday [against Salford] and may be start another run the way we did earlier in the season.”

Head coach Nelson Jardim hopes the goal will help Evans thrive as an individual.

The Swansea-born player has already shown his versatility by operating as a centre-back and in midfield this season.

“Football is about special moments and this is a good moment, a good day and a good game, especially for Cameron," Jardim said.

“Everything came together on that moment for him. Sometimes some of these boys wait years to get moments like that.

”I think he will take that with him for the future. I hope this is just a good start and I hope he is going to have a big future in front of him.”

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Newport County manager Nelson Jardim says his players made a point by taking three against Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

County had suffered three successive losses and were facing questions over their defensive ability going into the game against an in-form Crewe.

They had twice shipped four goals, against Swindon and Port Vale, as well as losing without scoring at Barrow.

But the Exiles bounced back with a 2-1 win against Crewe, and Jardim felt the result showed what his side are made of.

“This game was about us, making sure we could see improvements and I think that was very obvious,” Jardim said after Matt Baker’s goal clinched the win.

“There’s been a little bit of criticism but I think everyone can see we have a good group with good characters in there and I’m proud of them.

“It was important to show what we were about. I was always sure about the group I’ve got and the work we are putting in, but sometimes you have to focus on what you do, which is coach and make sure everyone clear about direction and objectives.

"I think the fans can see that and I’m sure they accept you can have bad days - every team is like that. It is the way you overcome those periods that shows what type of group you are.”

County moved up to 12th in the table with the win and are just a point outside the play-offs.

Jardim will hope they can continue their climb when they welcome Salford City to south Wales on Tuesday.

“We’re looking to build every day but we accept sometimes things don’t go your way,” he added.

“We went through a difficult period, with injuries and red cards, but we have shown our character. We managed to get through the bad spell and we are looking to improve.

“We cannot promise to win every game, but we will promise to give everything we have as staff and players to compete.”

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Newport County chairman Huw Jenkins says it's unlikely the club will make more signings in the January transfer window after a big recruitment drive in the summer.

The Exiles signed 17 new players in the first full window of Jenkins' time as chairman, as Nelson Jardim took over as head coach.

County have concentrated on signing younger players to lower the average age of the squad, and Jenkins expects Jardim to work with what he's got.

Asked on BBC Radio Wales Sport whether more signings were possible in January, Jenkins said: "Not with the number of players we've got.

"We got a lot of players in (over the summer) so we'll stick with what we've got.

"We can't go out and spend hundreds of thousands on players. We've brought younger players in, reducing the age of the squad. They're obviously cheaper."

County are 12th in League Two, one point off the top seven, after ending their three-match losing run with a 1-0 win over Crewe at Rodney Parade.

Speaking before the game, Jenkins said there are no specific targets or demands on Jardim to get County into the top seven.

"Every game you go into, you want to win," added Jenkins.

"To me, football is simple. Every game you play you should try to win. And if you do that, and do it well, the points will take care of themselves and the table will show what you're achieving.

"It needs to be that simple."

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Newport County have been warned a familiar face could prove a problem as they face Crewe Alexandra, at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Former skipper Mickey Demetriou left the Welsh club for the Railwaymen in the summer of 2023 after more than six years at Newport.

Demetriou, now 34, still has an affection for Newport, but showed no sentiment as he scored twice against them in a Crewe victory at the Alexandra Stadium in August 2023.

Current Newport defender Matt Baker, who played alongside Demetriou when he joined the Exiles on loan, admitted: “He is one of the best defender scorers in the league. We all know what he can do.”

Demetriou will always be fondly regarded by Newport fans because of his wholehearted commitment, important goals, huge experience and being a champion for the club’s community work.

Wales Under-21s defender Baker said: “He has so much experience and has played a lot of games over a lot of years now.

“When I first came in I was only 19 at the time. He really helped me get used to the environment and how the games are played in League Two.

“Playing next to him definitely helped and I had James Clarke next to me as well, so those two really held me in good stead.”

Demetriou made more than 280 appearances for Newport, featuring in the League Two play off final defeats by Tranmere and Morecambe as well as scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Notts County in 2017, which completed the so-called “Great Escape” from relegation.

His 26 goals in 258 league appearances for Newport included one against Crewe in a 2-1 win for the visitors in March 2018, the Railwaymen's last victory at Rodney Parade.

Demetriou is already off the mark for Crewe this season and has been made captain as he returns to Rodney Parade with his side seeking their fifth consecutive league victory for the first time in 30 years.

Crewe’s squad also includes former Newport striker Omar Bogle. But having been released by the Exiles in the summer, he has made only two substitute appearances in the league and scored a consolation goal in a sole EFL Trophy outing against Blackpool.