Newport County

Former Newport County boss Mike Flynn - who led the club to a dramatic final day escape nine years ago - recalls the 2017 win over Notts County.

And with the Exiles one of five clubs who could still face relegation on the last day of the current League Two season, he told Radio Wales Breakfast what it would mean for Newport to lose League Football.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Christian Fuchs says Newport County must focus on themselves as they look to avoid relegation from League Two on the final day of the season.

The Exiles, who have been in the Football league since 2013, head to bottom side Barrow on Saturday, 2 May (15:00 BST) as one of five sides who could finish in the bottom two.

Following a 3-0 loss away at Cambridge last weekend, the hosts will be hoping for a miracle, they need to win and overturn an eight goal difference if they are to keep their League Two status.

Despite Barrow's precarious position, Fuchs says his side must not focus on their opposition.

"I think they will try to push hard initially, but it's all assumptions, we don't actually know what state of mind they are in right now," said Fuchs.

"It's definitely a tough situation for them, but we have to look at ourselves.

"Our destiny is in our own hands, so we need to make sure that we are on the right end of everything that is going to happen on Saturday.

"It's down to us and how we approach the game to make sure if there is a weird atmosphere, we make it even more weird."

Fuchs' side eased some of their own pressure with a dramatic 3-2 victory against 10 man Oldham in their penultimate game.

Bobby Kamwa missed an injury-time penalty, before scoring the decisive goal three minutes later in the 108th minute to delight the County faithful.

Despite the significance of the three points, Fuchs has called for calm from his players heading into Saturday.

"If you just take a step back, take a breath and just focus on the game plan and what you need to do. If you focus on that and just be calm and composed, things will be fine," added the former Austria international.

"Every single game is a pressure situation but it's also a privilege to be in that situation and this group has dealt with it really well this season."

The away side will be backed by a sold-out away end of 930 Exiles fans making the 270-mile trip to Cumbria.

Fuchs is full of praise for their backing.

"The support was incredible at Cheltenham as well and it just shows how dedicated our fans are, because that's a very long trip to Barrow," he said.

"It feels really good and I think the fans taking this trip, they deserve to walk away with three points."

After a torrid season, we asked you whether Newport County can avoid relegation to the National League in Saturday's 2025-26 finale against fellow strugglers Barrow. Tranmere, Crawley and Harrogate are also in the relegation mix.

Here are some of your views.

Ade: There have been games where we definitely deserved more. Last week was a great result where we battled for our lives. I think we have enough to stay up if we turn up Saturday and finish the job.

Carl: If we do manage to pull it off, fantastic. But this season must go down as a season of very big mistakes made and [we must] learn from them. We cannot afford to be in a similar situation next season. Much better recruitment needed and a tried and tested manager who has worked in the league, someone that has the knowledge and experience to do battle with this division and understands the value of what is needed.

David: If they play like they did against Oldham on Saturday then they will be safe, if they don't turn up it then depends on how the other teams do.

Stephen: We definitely have enough to survive. I think we'll beat Barrow, but Crawley will lose to Salford anyway imo. But we can't take that risk so go for the win.

Steve: I have a terrible feeling that Barrow will go, along with Crawley or Newport, probably Newport. We cannot get away from the fact that Newport cannot defend and cannot score many goals. I'm sorry!

Terry: Final-day deciders are not for the faint-hearted and doubtless Saturday will be another nerve-jangler. The only certainty is Barrow cannot catch Newport, but they can certainly be responsible for dragging them into the drop zone. I take the Exiles to survive, but fear for them should they not. Up the COUNTY!!

Russell: It's been an awful season, on and off the pitch. Our decline has been over a number of years, it's really not surprising we are in the position we are in today. However, we do have hope, which is a far cry from where we were before Christmas. Some astute signings have brought the best out of what can be only described as a less than mediocre squad. But we are where we are, it's in our hands, which is important, but can we do it? My best guess is that we will have to leave it in others' hands, especially when you see whose running the Barrow team, [Sam] Foley and [Graham] Coughlan, [our] ex-player & manager. Depending on the circumstances they left the club, they will be keen to put one over on us! If we do survive, then there has to be a determination of the trust and the other 21% of the shareholding for us to move forward. That will hopefully provide the investment we need to survive. As a supporter for over 50 years I can't go through this type of season again! We can do it. We will not be in existence for long if we get relegated, there will be no coming back this time, after all it took 25 years the last time!

Image source, BBC Sport

Will a torrid season have a sorry ending, or can Newport County round off 2025-26 by securing their EFL status for another year?

The Exiles' League Two survival bid has all come down to this weekend's final-day trip to fellow strugglers Barrow.

As it stands, Christian Fuchs' team are two places and one point above the relegation zone following last weekend's thrilling home win over Oldham, meaning it is all to play for heading into what promises to be a nerve-jangling final round of fixtures.

So will Newport survive? Have you seen enough from Fuchs' team to believe they can stay up? Or are you fearing the worst?

We want to know what you think - let us know your thoughts by clicking here.

Image source, FAW

Former Newport County winger Robbie Willmott has been appointed manager of Cymru South club Newport City.

Willmott. who had two spells at County, also played in two separate stints for Cambridge United as well as playing for Luton Town.

The 35-year-old joined Cymru Premier side Barry Town United in August 2024.

The ex-England C international announced his retirement from playing following Barry's defeat to Haverfordwest in the European play-offs.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

"It means the world."

Christian Fuchs barely needed to elaborate on what Newport County's dramatic late win over Oldham Athletic meant to everyone connected with the club.

"After the game, when you walk on the pitch and seeing what's possible here – the fans, the spirit, everybody together, everybody loud - it was an incredible moment for us," said the Exiles boss.

Bobby Kamwa's 108th minute winner sparked scenes of ecstasy at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles moved a step closer to League Two safety with just their sixth home win of the season, prompting jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.

Yet inside the camp, there is a clear understanding that the job is far from finished.

Newport head into the final day sitting just one point above the relegation zone, knowing everything is still on the line.

This was clear in match-winner Kamwa's mind.

"It was a great result but we're not going to get carried away," said the 26-year-old goal-scoring hero.

"The job's not fully done yet. We go again and we're ready to go to Barrow and give it our all and hopefully put it to bed there."

Fuchs shares that same outlook.

Having arrived at Rodney Parade in November with Newport rooted to the foot of the table, the former Premier League winner with Leicester has managed to galvanise Newport to ensure survival remains in their own hands

They travel to bottom-club Barrow on Saturday, 2 May (15:00 BST) knowing any two of five sides can still be relegated.

"We know it's going to be a tough game," said Fuchs of the final day trip to Cumbria.

"Barrow still have something to play for, they can still make it, so we are aware of that but we need to get points on the board still ourselves.

"So, we go there to perform really well, that's the bottom line. Even though you're on a big high I know at the same time we still need to prepare for the next game."

Former Newport County captain Mark O'Brien said Saturday's dramatic 3-2 win over Oldham reduced him to tears.

O'Brien, who scored the winner nine years ago in County's last 'Great Escape', told Radio Wales Breakfast it is massively important the club have their fate in their own hands going into the final game of the season.

A win at Barrow on Saturday will guarantee the Exile's EFL survival, while a draw, or even a defeat, could also be enough to remain in League Two depending on results elsewhere.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Owain Tudur Jones feels Newport County's character proved decisive as they won a "bonkers" game against Oldham Athletic.

The Exiles came from behind to earn a crucial 3-2 win against the Latics in their final home fixture of the season.

They appeared destined to have to settle for a point when Bobby Kamwa - scorer of his side's opening goal - missed a penalty in the 15th minute of added time.

But the 26-year-old scored a vital winner just three minutes later to spark wild scenes of celebration at Rodney Parade as Newport rose to 21st place - two places and a point clear of the relegation zone before the final day contest with bottom side Barrow on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"It was incredible. The one word I'd use to describe the game is bonkers," former Wales international Jones told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast.

"The man who scored the goal, Bobby Kamwa, after 108 minutes, he'd just missed the penalty minutes earlier and everyone was thinking Newport's hopes have disappeared and that they're going down.

"To have the character to keep going, the atmosphere in the stadium was like someone had put a pin into a balloon, the energy had totally disappeared.

"To find the energy and the strength to create one more chance and score that goal, and now it's in their hands travelling up to Barrow.

"It promises to be a weekend and a half, and what it's done, it's dragged in other teams like Crawley and Tranmere. It promises to be exciting."

Victory over Oldham means Newport's destiny is in their own hands when it comes to their trip to Barrow at the weekend.

A win against the Bluebirds will guarantee that Christian Fuchs' side will be in League Two next season, although a draw, or even a defeat, could also be enough to remain in the Football League depending on results elsewhere.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts says Christian Fuchs could be a contender to join a new-look Leicester City coaching staff this summer.

Fuchs' immediate focus is on trying to save Newport County from relegation to the National League.

Whatever happens to the Exiles, Roberts believes fellow former Leicester player Fuchs – a Premier League title winner in 2016 - could be on the Foxes' radar following their relegation from the Championship.

Current Leicester boss Gary Rowett was appointed in February on a short-term deal running until the end of this season.

And after relegation was confirmed in midweek, there has been speculation about who might be in charge at the King Power Stadium come the start of the 2026-27 season.

"Christian Fuchs was a massive part of what they achieved in 2016 - he is so well regarded at the football club," Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"I have seen him mentioned going back with Wes Morgan, the captain of that [Premier League title-winning] year.

"Maybe it takes something like that, two players who are really well liked and know the club, to sort things out."

For the moment, Fuchs is concentrating on trying to save Newport from the drop.

The Exiles are one place above the League Two relegation places with two games remaining this season, the first of which is against mid-table Oldham Athletic at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 BST).

A win over Oldham could be enough to ensure Newport's survival depending on results elsewhere.

"I was there when they beat Notts County [to stay up in 2017]," Roberts added.

"The scenes when the final whistle went were quite incredible. Hopefully it will be the same on Saturday."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Christian Fuchs says Newport County "will get up again" following defeat at Cheltenham Town as they look to avoid relegation to the National League.

The Exiles' League Two survival hopes suffered a blow as they lost to a late Cheltenham goal at Whaddon Road last weekend.

Newport are just a point and a place above the drop zone with two games remaining this season - but Fuchs insists there is "100% belief in this team".

"It's a situation that we have dealt with many times, where we fall down and we get up again, we roll up our sleeves and we keep going," the Newport boss added.

"We have shown a lot of quality throughout the season already, and if there will be changes, it's too early to say."

The Austrian's side have flirted with relegation throughout the season and now face two huge fixtures.

They host Oldham on Saturday (15:00 BST) before a trip to Barrow, the side who currently sit 23rd in the table, on the final day.

Fuchs says his players must stay focused if they are to get the points they need to survive.

"We'll try to be creative, but it's about the freshness and the mental freshness of the players," said Fuchs.

"It's been a long season and now, when it comes down to the wire, we need to have fresh minds on the pitch to execute."

The former Premier League winner hopes Newport fans will play their part in the game against mid-table Oldham.

"They have been incredible this season, all season long already, the way they supported us." Fuchs said.

"I hope they will come en masse like they did at Cheltenham, show great support and have our back."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

With three games to go, Newport County still have work to do to secure their Football League status for another season.

The ecstasy that poured out at Rodney Parade on Saturday as the Exiles edged closer to safety with a 2-1 win over relegation rivals Harrogate Town has been quickly tempered.

Barrow's 3-2 victory in their game in hand on Tuesday night has left Newport precariously perched just one point above the drop zone, a familiar and uncomfortable position.

In a constant swing from setbacks to jubilation, manager Christian Fuchs must navigate not only the challenges on the pitch but also the emotional rollercoaster off it, shifting from the highs of Saturday's victory to the lows of being dragged back towards danger just days later.

The highs and the lows of Newport's season so far

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Level on points with Crawley Town and Tranmere Rovers, Newport head into Saturday's crucial fixture with momentum but nervously looking over their shoulders.

But Fuchs has urged his side to remain focused on themselves.

"To be fair, I saw a little bit of the game [on Tuesday]," the Austrian admitted.

"Barrow got those three points, I'd be disappointed if they didn't fight for the right to remain, but it doesn't affect us. We're focusing on Cheltenham.

"The situation is still the same. It's something we've dealt with for the whole season already and we only have to focus on ourselves."

Since Fuchs' appointment in November, Newport have taken 26 points from 27 matches, a significant improvement on the 11 points collected during David Hughes' 16-game spell earlier in the campaign.

Had Fuchs been at the helm since the start of the season and that rate been sustained, Newport would be approaching 43 points, and seven points clear of danger.

Instead, they have spent much of the campaign entrenched in a survival fight and their struggles have been well-documented.

Until a vital 3-1 home win over Tranmere Rovers in March, County had occupied the bottom two for 151 consecutive days.

A bleak winter saw Fuchs' side go winless in the league from November 8 to December 29, drawing three and losing five, while also exiting both the FA Cup and EFL Trophy.

On Christmas Day, Newport were five points adrift of safety and rooted to the foot of League Two with many seeing them as a certainty for the drop.

Yet spring has brought renewed belief.

The Exiles now sit 22nd, a point above the relegation zone, with survival, crucially, still in their own hands.

A run of seven points from four games that started with an emphatic 3–1 away win at promotion-chasing Salford in February proved a turning point.

Newport have continued to gather momentum and last weekend's success over Harrogate proved another one of those occasions.

Still, nothing is secure. Newport have conceded more goals than any team in the division, kept the joint-fewest clean sheets and average just one goal per game.

With nine precious points still up for grabs, survival is far from a guarantee.

Barrow's dramatic late surge against Oldham on Tuesday, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes, means they could temporarily overtake Newport if they beat Walsall in Saturday lunchtime's early kick-off.

"That's [other results] something you cannot affect," Fuchs said.

"It's all about us. And when we do the simple things right, when we play the ball into the right areas, and when we focus on ourselves, then we have a very good chance.

"That's a distraction obviously that could affect the game or mentality but I'm really not too worried about that."

'We're looking forward to Saturday'

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The immediate focus is Saturday's crucial meeting with Cheltenham Town,

The Robins sit 18th, 12 points clear of trouble and are already assured of their League Two status, which the Exiles continue to seek.

But Fuchs believes that situation makes the game unpredictable rather than straightforward.

"Well, it's one of those that you probably don't know what to expect because they literally don't play for anything anymore at this stage," said Fuchs.

"They are safe. League 2 status guaranteed but I would assume you want to finish the season strong so I'm expecting a competitive game again

"It's the next game for us, that's the most important one, don't worry about what anybody else does."

Despite Barrow's late gasp win and the looming possibility of a final-day showdown against former player Sam Foley, morale in the Newport camp remains high.

"We're just coming off a win at home against Harrogate. Everybody's in good spirits," Fuchs added.

"That's been the theme over the season. Whenever we had setbacks, we put our heads up and kept going. That win definitely elevated the spirits even more and gave us a lot more confidence.

"We're very much looking forward to Saturday already."

Fuchs will be further buoyed by the return of last weekend's matchwinner Joe Thomas, though this game will come too soon for forward Courtney Baker-Richardson, who has only scored two goals since Fuchs' arrival.

But Fuchs is in no doubt that his side have enough to survive and Saturday could yet prove another step forward in achieving this milestone.

"I think you know the answer. The boys have shown, very much so, that they have more than enough to stay up," he said.

"They are all in. And that's also something that you really appreciate as a manager, that you have a team that are really all the way bought in.

"They want to bring the club forward and make sure that we remain in League Two."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Bobby Kamwa's match-winner for Newport County against Shrewsbury Town has been nominated for the League Two Goal of the Month award for March.

The 26-year-old provided the decisive moment with a sublime strike in the 68th minute as the Exiles beat Gavin Cowan's side 1-0 at Rodney Parade on 28 March to give their survival hopes a major boost.

Kamwa is up against Zech Obiero of Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town's Mark Helm and Crewe Alexandra's Reece Hutchinson for the award.

The winner - decided by fans and a judging panel - will be announced at 10:00 BST on Friday, 17 April.