Hughes: 'performance warranted a result'
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
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport 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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyManager 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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyFormer 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."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyHughes 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."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport 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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyDavid 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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport 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.
Image source, Huw Evans AgencyNewport 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 SportAfter 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?
Image source, Huw Evans AgencyNewport 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."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport County manager David Hughes has made six permanent signings this window
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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyForward 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).
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport 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.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport County manager David Hughes has backed forward Bobby Kamwa after his crucial penalty miss against MK Dons.
County were trailing 2-1 when they were awarded a 70th minute penalty, but Kamwa's spot kick came back off the post.
It capped off a frustrating game for Newport, who were perplexed by the referee's decision to award Dons a penalty in the first half - which Nathaniel Mendez-Laing converted.
Despite Kamwa's miss, Hughes had nothing but praise for his forward.
"I'd never criticise anyone for missing a penalty," said Hughes.
"It takes real courage to step up and take it.
"It happens, so well done to Bobby for stepping up and taking it, unfortunately this time it didn't go in.
"I'm sure it will in future."
County were without striker Courtney Baker-Richardson, who took penalties when on the field for Newport last season.
Hughes said the forward's omission was down to a knock, but not a serious one.
"He had a sore calf on Thursday so we sent him for a scan to make sure it was nothing sinister," said Hughes.
"So he didn't train yesterday, to then have him involved would have been a risk.
"Thankfully the scan was all clear so he will be back in on Monday."
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyWe asked where Newport still need to improve their squad off the back of three straight League Two defeats.
Here is what you had to say.
Chris: They desperately need a midfield 'enforcer' and one striker - possibly two. I think they need to find a more vocal captain when Clarke isn't playing. On Saturday there were a number of dubious decisions that should have been challenged more robustly than they seemed to be.
Dean: We could do with a lethal striker and a midfielder to go alongside Matt Smith and I think we'll be alright. We've got a load of new players and a new management team so it's going to take time. Also the three games we have lost were all against teams that will be in the mix for promotion come May.
Jon: We've been desperate for a strong, controlling defensive midfielder for some time. We often get overrun in midfield and finding a player with strength in this position is a must in my opinion.
Peter: Basically the whole team needs to be strengthened. We need a goal scoring forward a tough tackling midfielder and a captain. We are in serious trouble and in danger of relegation.
Jamie: The squad is not big or versatile enough. Grit and determination fine but some ability in midfield and upfront needed.
Anonymous: We urgently need a striker and a holding midfielder to take pressure of the defence. Football is looking a lot better than the directionless effort last season. We have a young team with good progress ahead of them but we need experience now.
Image source, BBC SportNewport County fell to a third-straight League Two defeat against MK Dons at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
The Exiles went ahead through on-loan full-back Habeeb Ogunneye, but a penalty from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and header from Callum Paterson saw Dons take all three points back to Buckinghamshire.
Newport had a penalty of their own to level the game in the second half, but forward Bobby Kamwa's spot kick came back off the post.
Having dropped the 19th in the League Two table, the four points picked up in the opening two games seems a distant memory.
So what areas of the field do County need to improve before before the summer transfer window shuts?
And where do you think they can finish in the table with the right additions?
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyNewport 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.
