Newport County

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Senior duo Aaron Wildig and Bryn Morris are set to give Newport County a double boost for their League Two trip to Tranmere, on Saturday.

Morris missed last Saturday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of League One Peterborough United with a knock, while captain Wildig was on the bench against Posh but could not play any part because of ongoing back problems.

But both are ready and available to face Tranmere as Newport head coach Nelson Jardim weighs up his options for the clash at Prenton Park.

Jardim said: “Bryn is that character, that senior player who is experienced and knows the league very well and obviously is one of the good players in this squad. Having him on the pitch is good but he brings other things, too.

“Aaron is a leader and captain of this club and I have mentioned before, he leads by example on the pitch. Both of them are massive for us, but so are all the others.

" It’s not all about players and one or two people it’s about the squad and the club, it’s about everyone being involved and engaged.”

Striker Hamzad Kargbo is still sidelined by a shoulder problem and though defender Shane McLoughlin returned from injury to the bench against Peterborough, he is still short of full fitness.

Jardim said: “Shane in the final process. He is fit but needs to get that final bit where he can give us that confidence, that he is not going to get injured again.”

Its possible McLoughlin will more likely feature in Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Football League Trophy tie at Reading.

But with the availability of Morris and Wildig, there will be more midfield options for Jardim as Newport, currently standing 14th in the table, resume their League Two programme against a side five points and five places below them.

Before their cup demise, Newport had kept two clean sheets with a win at Gillingham and a hard fought goalless draw at home to Fleetwood.

Now in the wake of their cup disappointment, Jardim said: “It all about bouncing back. Last week we were disappointed and frustrated not to get something out of the game.

“But we have to focus on what we have done well and we have done a lot of good things”

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If the takeover talk at Tranmere Rovers comes to fruition, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna my soon be pitching up at Prenton Park.

This Saturday, however, Tranmere's visitors will be Newport County.

There is speculation that rapper A$AP Rocky, whose girlfriend is fellow music star Rihanna, is part of an investment group led by celebrity lawyer Joe Tacopina which is interested in taking charge at Tranmere.

The suggestion is that Rovers could follow Wrexham by thriving under celebrity owners from the other side of the Atlantic.

For the moment, the picture is not so glamorous, with Nigel Adkins' team looking to haul themselves out of the bottom half of League Two.

Tranmere are 19th, six points clear of the relegation zone, having won just one of their last nine league games.

There was bad news in the FA Cup last weekend, too, as the Birkenhead club were beaten on home soil by National League side Oldham Athletic.

Tranmere's home record this season is poor, with only one league win so far, and Newport will travel north hoping to add to their misery.

Nelson Jardim's side are five points and five places better off than Tranmere, having taken four points from their two league games prior to their FA Cup defeat to Peterborough United last time out.

Though they are in the bottom half of the table going into the weekend, Newport are only three points outside the play-off spots.

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Newport County midfielder Kai Whitmore hopes to emulate former Exile Will Evans’ progression from Cymru Premier to League One level.

Ex-Cardiff Met striker Evans, 27, joined League One side Mansfield Town for a six-figure fee last summer, two years after first turning professional in League Two with Newport.

Whitmore, 23, joined County from Cymru Premier team Haverfordwest County in June 2024 and scored his second goal of the season in Saturday's defeat to Peterborough United in the FA Cup. It was the midfielder’s first start since recovering from a calf injury.

When asked if he would like to follow in the footsteps of Evans, who has scored five goals for Mansfield, Whitmore said: "Yeah definitely, I’m trying my best.

"I came in [to the club] wanting to do my best and to see where it goes and I see Will Evans, he was the same and moved on.

"It was frustrating being injured that long, I think it was eight weeks in the end but it was my first start back and I got a goal.

"There’s obviously competition and you’re not allowed to come straight back to start, you’ve got to build up the minutes. I was tired, mind you.

"We want to win every game, there’s a big block of games coming up to January and we want to win as much as we can."

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Nelson Jardim says his Newport County squad need to make full use of their upcoming week to recover after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Peterborough United.

Aaron Wildig, Bryn Morris and James Clarke were all notable absentees for the Exiles' first round encounter with Darren Ferguson's side at Rodney Parade.

"We've been struggling with a couple of injuries or knocks," said Jardim.

"There was a little bit of illness around the team as well. That's why [Aaron] Wildig didn't play, Bryn [Morris], a couple of others. Even Bobby [Kamwa], three days ago he was not well.

"Now it's about recovery, but also about which areas we can improve. I think that's the key."

Newport looked on course for an upset after early goals from Anthony Glennon and Kai Whitmore put them 2-0 up after just seven minutes.

But the visitors hit back in style, as Abraham Odoh and Joel Randall netted prior to a late Ricky-Jade Jones brace as Posh survived a scare in south Wales.

Shane McLoughlin was an unused substitute for the hosts after he made his long-awaited return to a matchday squad following two months out with a knee injury.

But Jardim revealed the defender was not thrust back into the limelight against League One Peterborough given his lengthy period out of action.

"We had a report from the medical side that he could only be ready for a maximum of 20 minutes so you're not going to risk him and possibly lose him for the next chunk of games," added Jardim.

Newport return to League Two action against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

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Newport County’s players have been practicing penalties this week ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at home to Peterborough United.

Head coach Nelson Jardim has confirmed they have planned who will take the spot kicks if the game goes to a shoot-out.

The tie has to be decided on Saturday so could involve extra time and eventually penalties.

Confirming his players had practiced penalties this week, Jardim said: "We don’t know who is going to be on the pitch but we will have a list ready. You have to be brave.

“It is one thing to practice in training sessions but another thing in a match and in such an important competition.

"Sometimes it has a little bit more to do with your emotion and how cold you can be in that moment, rather than sometimes being very good on the training ground.”

Newport midfielder Bryn Morris saw his penalty saved in last Saturday’s League Two goalless home draw with Fleetwood Town.

Jardim quipped: “We have practiced penalties. Bryn practiced one last week!”

The Exiles head coach is convinced Morris, who is a fitness worry for the tie, will shrug off that disappointment when required.

"He will improve again... he is good, it (missing) just happens. You have seen Cristiano Ronaldo missing penalties.

"Sometimes we don’t give credit to the goalkeepers, they work hard as well. Some of the saves are down to the keeper and in Bryn’s case it was a great save.

"The ball just rolled on the line, just one of those football moments. It’s gone now, there are no issues at all, that is just part of the game."

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says it will be a "privilege" to take charge of a team in the FA Cup for the first time.

The Portuguese coach acknowledged the competition has a special place in the football world.

And he is well aware of how valuable Newport’s exploits have been in this competition over recent years.

The Exiles' first round tie against Peterborough United will represent a personal milestone for Jardim, who was appointed by chairman Huw Jenkins last summer.

"It is massive," said Jardim."I have experienced it before in other clubs - Swansea, Leicester and Birmingham. But now as a head coach it is a different story."

Jardim watched the likes of West Ham United's Paulo Futre in the Premier League when growing up in Portugal but believes the history of the FA Cup makes it a special competition even though all countries have their own domestic trophy tournaments.

He said: "You cannot compare. A cup is a cup, but this one is the one that everyone always dreams to play in and it will be a privilege for me. It is a big day and goes along with how important it is for this club."

Under Mike Flynn’s reign as manager Newport had financially bountiful FA Cup exploits, beating former Premier League champions Leicester City and Championship clubs Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

They also took part in money spinning ties against Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Last season they were rewarded for overcoming Eastleigh after a replay with a memorable third round home tie against Manchester United, making a stirring comeback from 2-0 down before losing 4-2.

"It has been a big deal. You have to have a bit of luck with the draws but I think the only thing you can do is be focussed, be ready, be with good energy and try to do your best and hopefully get the result we want."

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Following significant upheaval at the club over the summer, Nelson Jardim will be more than pleased - while there have been both ups and downs - with his start to life as Newport County boss.

The Exiles sit 14th in League Two after 14 games, three points adrift of the play-off places and 11 clear of the relegation zone.

That is 19 points for Jardim who took control in July. But how does his start as Newport boss compare to his predecessors in the Rodney Parade dugout?

Jardim's record in the league so far consists of six wins, one draw and seven defeats.

Graham Coughlan - the man Jardim replaced as boss - managed five wins, six draws and just three defeats to gain 21 points from his first 14 league matches, two more than Jardim.

James Rowberry had the best start when it comes to recent managers. He gained 27 points courtesy of winning eight games and drawing three of his first 14 league outings as head coach.

Even in the midst of a seemingly fatal relegation battle, Michael Flynn gained 24 points (two of which came after being appointed permanently) to steer the club to safety in the most remarkable fashion.

The record in the years prior to that were uninspiring to say the least.

Graham Westley picked up just 10 points from his first 14 league games, with 10 defeats during that period.

Warren Feeney oversaw a far healthier return of 21 points consisting of six wins, three draws and five losses from his first 14 league games.

John Sheridan left for Oldham Athletic having coincidentally managed exactly 14 league games at Newport - winning just three, drawing six and losing five to pick up 15 points.

As for Terry Butcher, he did not even last 14 League Two games in south Wales.

The former England international was sacked after 10 league matches with a record of just one win, two draws and seven defeats, giving Newport just five points.

So all in all, Jardim's return is certainly healthy when compared to those who have held the post before him.

The Portuguese - along with club chairman Huw Jenkins - will understandably point to the fact that the current new-look squad is continuing to gel while it is also loaded with players in the earlier stages of their professional careers.

And as he closes in on the one-year mark of his tenure as chairman at Rodney Parade, Jenkins can be fairly satisfied with the current trajectory of the club.

Image source, Newport County

Newport County have appointed Rob Thomas as the club’s new head of goalkeeping.

Thomas served as National Goalkeeper Coach Education Coordinator at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Trust for the past 15 years.

He will now form part of Nelson Jardim's backroom team at Rodney Parade - replacing previous goalkeeping coach Jim Hollman who recently left the club by mutual consent after six years.

A club statement read: "Newport County would like to extend its gratitude to Jim for his contribution over the years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

Thomas has spent the past two seasons at Cymru Premier side Haverfordwest County.

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Nelson Jardim hopes Newport County will benefit from a midweek without league action in their FA Cup tie with Peterborough United.

The Exiles have played six League Two matches in October prior to their first round encounter with Darren Ferguson's side at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

And Jardim hopes his squad can use the additional recovery period and training ground time to deliver a strong performance against League One Posh.

"The cup game is a massive challenge for us. That’s something we are looking forward to," said Jardim.

"This week we will give a little bit more rest to the players who have been playing week in, week out.

"We have a little bit more time to prepare for the game which is a massive one for us.

"We will be looking to prepare for the game very well and make the players feel this is even more important than a league game."

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Nelson Jardim reckons his “growing” Newport County side can be reasonably happy with the start they have made to the League Two season.

Newport are 14th in the table after 14 league games under Jardim, who is in his first season as an EFL boss having succeeded Graham Coughlan.

The Exiles are just three points outside the play-off places and 11 clear of the relegation zone.

“We have played 14 games now, not even a third of the competition, and we have 19 points,” said head coach Jardim.

“I think we are doing fairly well. We have to keep pushing and being positive, knowing that this league is very difficult.

“We have to remain calm and adjust what we need to adjust each week to make sure we are competitive.”

Newport’s defensive record has been a concern in the early days of the Jardim era, with 24 goals conceded in his first 12 league games.

But the Portuguese feels his team have shown signs of progress after successive clean sheets, with Saturday’s goalless draw against Fleetwood coming on the back of a 2-0 win at Gillingham.

“We have to take the positives which is back-to-back games without conceding goals,” Jardim added.

“That shows the team is growing, being more competitive and hard to beat. That’s something we are looking for and will give us a foundation for the future.”

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After a confidence-boosting win on the road, Newport County return to Rodney Parade looking to make up for their dismal show at home last time out.

Head coach Nelson Jardim says his squad will be looking to atone for their poor performance in the 3-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield as they take on Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

The loss to the Spireites contributed to a dismal run of three consecutive reverses for the Exiles.

But Newport ended that sequence last Tuesday when they won 2-0 at Gillingham.

Jardim said: “That was one of those games that can only give you confidence in the way you are working and the way the boys are performing.

"It was a very positive win but we must carry on what we are doing and what we are believing in.”

And he admitted the visit of Fleetwood, just a place behind Newport in the League Two table in 14th, would be a chance to banish the fans’ memories of the last home game.

He said: “The fans have been great to us. It is always disappointing when we don’t win, but as a coach I can’t promise we will win every game. But I can promise everyone in the club is doing their best every day.”

Newport were trailing within the first minute against Chesterfield but will be buoyed by their midweek result as they take on a Fleetwood side managed by former Scotland and Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam.

The Lancashire club are currently a place behind Newport standing 14th in the League Two table having lost their last two games.

But they have proven adept on their travels, collecting 10 of their 16 points on the road with three wins and a draw.

Newport have been assessing midfielder Bryn Morris who was taken off at half-time at Gillingham with a knock and Jardim believes that precautionary measure will pay off.

He said: “Sometimes you have to make big decisions and when you are winning 2-0 at half-time, we knew that second half was going to be tough.

“We cannot afford to lose a player like Bryn as well, so you have to take a good decision. It has proven it was a good decision, we have saved the player and managed to win the game.”

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim would be keen for Kyle Hudlin to extend his current loan with the League Two club.

And the in-form giant Huddersfield Town striker would be “open” to the idea of remaining with the Exiles for the rest of the season.

The 6’9” forward joined on loan from League One Huddersfield in August, following an injury to Hamza Kargbo, who is still working his way back to fitness.

But Jardim is impressed by what he has seen of Hudlin.

“I have spoken about the character and everything, he is definitely one of the players we are lucky to have around and he is one of them I would like to keep," he said.

“If that was only my decision I would definitely want him and he has proven why.”

Hudlin, one of the tallest footballers in the world, has hit three goals in his last five Newport appearances including a well taken strike in Tuesday's 2-0 win at Gillingham.

Just over a year ago, the former student had a contract extension with Huddersfield to keep him with the Yorkshire club until 2026.

But if the Exiles were to push for a loan deal beyond January, they player would give it serious consideration.

"I am very open to it," said Hudlin.

“It’s all about analysing what pops up in January, what Huddersfield want and obviously what works for both parties. But so far I am really enjoying my football, I really like the staff and the players.

“It’s just about keeping my head down seeing how far I can take it up until the deadline and then we will re-evaluate from there.”

During the summer, Newport chairman Huw Jenkins instigated an overhaul of the Exiles' playing staff and brought in 17 players. All bar one, like Hudlin, aged 24 or under.

A clutch of loan players were included in that number by Jenkins, who will have the final say on whether to push for a longer loan stay for the former Solihull Moors forward.

Jardim admitted: “To be fair I don’t do my days thinking about what type of agreements they have.

“I go through days trying to find ways to improve players and making them feel they are well treated, getting what they need and the reasons why they came here.

“I am sure they are happy, that is the feedback I am having not only from these players but also from the clubs.”