Newport County

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Liam Shephard is in contention to start his second Newport County spell at Crawley Town in League Two.

The Exiles signed the 30-year-old - who is primarily a right-back but can also play in a central trio and midfield - this week after he was released by Salford City at the end of last season.

Shephard stayed fit on a PFA training camp for unattached players and is an option for manager David Hughes in Sussex on Saturday (15:00 BST), provided that international clearance comes through in time.

"He has looked sharp and we were really pleased with how he presented and reported on his first day," said Hughes.

"He has looked really fit and sharp after four weeks with the PFA, which speaks volumes about the work they are doing to support players out of contract. He comes to us in good health, good fitness and available."

Shephard was a key figure in Newport's promotion challenge in 2020-21 and started in the play-off final defeat to Morecambe at Wembley.

He is reunited with coach Wayne Hatswell and will provide an option down the right along with Joe Thomas and Manchester United loanee Habeeb Ogunneye.

Cameron Evans, who played at right-back, left-back and centre-back last season, has been used as a combative midfielder in the early stages of the campaign.

"Liam brings experience, outstanding quality and technical ability. He is still only 30 so there is still a good amount of football in front of him," said Hughes.

"He adds significantly to the squad so we are really pleased to add him to what we already have.

"Anybody who has worked with Liam speaks volumes about his personality, professionalism and character, Wayne being one of those.

"We have been really pleased with the manner that the players have applied themselves since pre-season and he adds to that."

The Exiles have some minor niggles but are hoping that the squad that drew 1-1 with Notts County in their League Two opener will be available for Crawley.

Defender Ciaran Brennan (shoulder) and winger Michael Spellman (groin) are close to returns.

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Ben Lloyd has been challenged to be Newport County's star man after joining on loan from Swansea City.

The 20-year-old midfielder will spend the season with the Exiles and has already made two starts.

Lloyd has made just a pair of brief appearances off the bench for Championship side Swansea, but he will now try to follow in the footsteps of Ollie Cooper and Brandon Cooper by heading east to impress in Newport with the League Two side.

"He can learn a lot," said Swansea head coach Alan Sheehan. "He's got to go there with the mentality of being the best player.

"Yes, he is from a Championship club but he's got to go down there and be the best player, on and off the pitch.

"He's got to be a role model, be a good example, show the work ethic and the grit to be a professional footballer and prove himself at that level.

"After that you move onto the next level and that's the goal for a lot of young players here."

Meanwhile, Newport midfielder Riley Lonergan has joined Cardiff Met on loan.

The teenager, who signed a first professional contract in the summer, will get a taste of senior men's football in the Cymru Premier until 12 January.

Lonergan is yet to make his Newport first-team debut after being an unused substitute in the League Two game at Fleetwood Town in the penultimate game of last season.

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Newport County new boy Lee Jenkins has impressed with his old school love of defending, says his boss David Hughes.

The centre-back made the move to Rodney Parade from Haverfordwest in the summer and has slotted straight into the starting XI.

Jenkins caught the eye on the right of a trio with captain James Clarke and Matt Baker against Barnet in the Carabao Cup and Notts County in League Two.

The 23-year-old Wales C international made a double century of Cymru Premier appearances for Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest to earn his chance in the EFL.

"You don't play that many games at his age without having something about you," said Hughes who took charge of County in May.

"Before we talk about his ability, he's a really solid, reliable, professional who enjoys and relishes defending – at times that can be a dying art but not with 'Jenks'.

"He's been embraced by the squad and the players have seen his qualities. He has been a joy to work with.

"We hope that we can continue to add and develop Lee. He has lots of experience and we look forward to seeing him flourish and develop in the next stage of his career."

Jenkins has grasped his chance in the absence of the injured Ciaran Brennan and Jaden Warner, who are expected to return in the coming weeks.

Newport travel to Crawley Town on Saturday (15:00 BST) after starting the Hughes era with a win on penalties at Barnet and then a 1-1 draw with Notts County.

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Newport County are "working on" bringing further players into the club says manager David Hughes.

The Exiles drew 1-1 with Notts County in their opening game of the League Two season at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Hughes has already signed goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins, Wales midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner – who scored against Notts.

Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye and Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf have joined on loan.

"It's not easy. There's a number of factors, obviously a number of clubs who will be looking at individuals as well," Hughes said.

"So we are looking to add some further numbers and not just numbers, but they've got to be quality.

"The conversations we've had with the chairman have always been positive."

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Newport County boss David Hughes insists he does not feel nervous ahead of his League Two managerial debut on Saturday.

The Exiles host Notts County at Rodney Parade in their opening league game of the campaign – having won their first competitive game in midweek, and EFL Cup win at Barnet on penalties.

Hughes succeeded Nelson Jardim as County manager in May, leaving his role as a youth coach at Manchester United having previously been head of academy at Cardiff City.

The 47-year-old also worked in youth coaching at Southampton and Watford as well as with Wales' age-grade teams, including assistant manager of the Under-21s.

After briefly managing Barry Town in the Welsh Premier when his playing career came to a premature end due to injury, Hughes returns to managing in senior football.

"I feel really relaxed about it," Hughes told BBC Sport Wales.

"When you work with the players and you try and prepare them the best way you possibly can and see how receptive they've been it becomes relaxing on the touchline.

"The preparation is done, you're trying to help and support them throughout the game with little bits of information.

"So the players should be excited for the first game of the season. You work for six weeks for that first game.

"Let's hope the place is bouncing, really good atmosphere and we make it really difficult and hostile for Notts County."

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Striker Courtney Baker-Richardson is fit for Newport County's League Two opener against Notts County after being forced off with illness in midweek.

The 29-year-old was substituted early in the second half of the Exiles' Carabao Cup preliminary round success at Barnet but has been cleared for Saturday's Rodney Parade clash with the Magpies (15.00 BST).

"He was unwell at half-time and it's credit to him that he wanted to stay on and see if he could play through it," said manager David Hughes, whose side won 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at The Hive.

"He was just unwell within one or two minutes of the second half and didn't feel he could carry on, so we just need to make sure we can keep everybody fit. He will be available for tomorrow."

Wales midfielder Matt Smith was taken off at the break in Barnet as a precaution after suffering a niggle in pre-season that limited his minutes in preparation.

He will be available against Notts County along with fellow midfielder Kai Whitmore, who was suspended on Tuesday after a red card against Tranmere in the final game of last season.

Ciaran Brennan had summer shoulder surgery and is approaching a return while defender Jaden Warner and winger Michael Spellman are also expected back in the coming weeks after niggles.

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A fresh face in charge, plenty of new players and a full pre-season done and dusted...now Newport County are just days away from their first League Two game under new boss Dave Hughes.

Technically, the season starts on Tuesday, 29 July with an EFL Cup preliminary round tie against Barnet.

But it is the league campaign that County fans will be primarily focused on as Newport look to improve on last year's disappointing 22nd-placed finish, the Exiles winning just one of their last 10 games and Nelson Jardim leaving as head coach.

Former Manchester United youth coach Hughes has since taken over, and he starts at home to one of last year's play-off semi finalists, Notts County, on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Newport have been busy in the transfer market, with goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins, Wales midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner all signing for the Exiles.

Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye, Swansea City midfielder Ben Lloyd and Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf have also joined on loan.

And Hughes may not stop there, telling supporters at a fans' forum last week that he would like to make more signings before the season starts.

Traditionally, fans have had pre-season opportunities to cast their eyes over new recruits - and assess how young players are shaping up - but there have been no friendlies at Rodney Parade for them to attend this summer.

With all this in mind, then, what are your hopes for the season ahead? What would you accept from Hughes and his new-look squad? Let us know your views by clicking here.

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Newport County manager David Hughes has told supporters he is still looking to make signings ahead of the new season.

Goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins, Wales midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner have all signed for the Exiles, while Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye and Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf have joined on loan.

But Hughes told supporters at a fans' forum this week: "We are looking for one or two to come in and support [the squad], but they have to be right.

"It's not a numbers game, we need guys who are going to come in and add something that we haven't got already.

"We've tried to be logical in our approach through the summer and that's the right thing to do. We are looking but they have to add to what we have already got in the squad."

The Exiles get their campaign under way at Barnet in the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before kicking off their league campaign against Notts County on Saturday, 2 August.

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Newport County are close to a deal to use University of South Wales Sports Park as their permanent training base.

The League Two side have prepared for the start of the season at the facility in Treforest under new manager David Hughes.

The Exiles are close to finalising an agreement to stay there throughout the campaign after previously being based at Newport Stadium, their former home before a move to Rodney Parade in 2012.

Owner Huw Jenkins made improving training facilities a top priority after his takeover in January 2024.

"In the next two weeks we are going to finalise a rental agreement with USW," said the chairman at a Newport County Supporters' Trust event.

"We are 80-90% done but need to just get back in and meet finalise things for ourselves and the academy to be there."

USW Sports Park has been one of the venues used by County in past seasons when poor weather forced them into late training changes.

Newport start their season on Tuesday when they travel to face Barnet in the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup, before a League Two opener against Notts County at Rodney Parade on Saturday, 2 August.

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Newport County suffered defeat in their final pre-season friendly as Elijah Morrison struck a late winner for Bristol City in a game played behind closed doors at the Championship club's training ground.

A strong Robins line-up were frustrated by Newport until Morrison tapped home in the 89th minute.

Newport boss Dave Hughes made a string of substitutions - with one change enforced when Keenan Patten picked up an injury - as preparations continue for the return of competitive football.

The Exiles are in EFL Cup preliminary round action at Barnet on Tuesday, 29 July before the new League Two campaign starts when Notts County visit Rodney Parade on 2 August.