Headline: Newport County Prepares for New Season Amid Leadership Changes
Newport County is gearing up for its 14th consecutive season in League Two. After narrowly escaping relegation with a last-minute 2-1 victory against Barrow on the final day of the previous season, the Exiles entered a tumultuous phase when former Premier League champion Christian Fuchs resigned unexpectedly just days before the squad’s return to training.
Hayden Mullins, previously the head coach of Fulham’s U21 team, has stepped in as the new manager. His primary goal is to steer the team clear of another relegation battle as the season kicks off with a home match against Rochdale at Rodney Parade on Saturday, August 15, scheduled for 12:30 BST.
Early Signs of Promise
The early signs appear favorable for Newport supporters. In his inaugural competitive match, Mullins’ team pushed League One side AFC Wimbledon to the limit in a Carabao Cup first-round clash, only to fall short in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 5-4 after conceding an equalizer in added time.
Mullins expressed cautious optimism following the match. “The initial feeling felt like a defeat, conceding so late into the game, but we saw many positives upon reviewing it,” he noted. He acknowledged the challenges ahead in League Two while highlighting the performance against a strong opponent.
New signings have started to make an impact as well. Yahya Bamba made headlines with a stunning long-range goal against the Dons, while Bournemouth loanee Alfie Merritt has drawn attention for his play against AS Roma. Mullins has called for patience as Merritt adapts to the new environment.
The prospect of further recruitment remains on Mullins’ mind. “We’re trying to make moves in the transfer market,” he acknowledged, noting the competitive landscape for players.
Problems at Home Again?
Newport’s opening challenge involves facing Rochdale, recently promoted after a strong performance in the National League, finishing second with 106 points. To avoid another struggle against relegation, the Exiles must improve their home record, which saw only five league wins last season.
Mullins is determined to make Rodney Parade a fortress for the team. “We discussed our ambition to make it difficult for opponents this season,” he affirmed. He stressed the importance of conveying their intentions to the fans and creating a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams.
As Newport seeks to better its opening-day performance from last year, when they drew against Notts County, Mullins looks forward to his first competitive home match and has called on fans for support.
“I’m eager to get started,” Mullins stated. “Delivering results at home is crucial, and we need the fans to be there for us. Their presence can energize the team.”
How Far Can They Go?
Achieving stability is a primary focus for Newport this season after a dramatic and challenging previous campaign. Chairman Huw Jenkins aims to steer clear of last year’s misstep with former coach Dave Hughes, who was dismissed after just 16 matches, leaving the club at the bottom of League Two.
Mullins has shown confidence in his role, stating that he is eager to contribute to Newport’s future. “Discussions with Huw about the club’s direction and infrastructure confirmed it was the right fit for me,” he said.
As Mullins implements his vision for the team, he remains optimistic about their potential. “We’re committed to pushing the limits, aiming to be as competitive as possible,” he concluded, expressing ambition for the team to finish in the top half of the table.
For the 14th consecutive season, Newport County are preparing for the beginning of a League Two campaign.
Under the leadership of former Premier League winner Christian Fuchs, the Exiles narrowly avoided relegation after a dramatic 2-1 win away at Barrow on the final day of last season.
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Many hoped this would spark a period of much-needed stability for the club, until the former Austrian international’s shock resignation just two days before the squad returned to training – forcing them to start all over again.
Former Fulham U21’s boss Hayden Mullins was chosen as Fuchs’ successor as County look to avoid being dragged into yet another relegation scrap.
Their campaign gets under way as they welcome Rochdale to Rodney Parade on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).
Early signs of promise
Yahya Bamba has signed from non-league Forest Green Rovers [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
The early readings bode well for Exiles supporters.
in his first competitive game Mullins’ side pushed League One opponents AFC Wimbledon all the way in their Carabao Cup first round clash – agonisingly losing 5-4 on penalties after conceding an equaliser deep into added time.
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And the former Crystal Palace and West Ham United midfielder was encouraged by what he saw.
“The initial feeling felt like a defeat, conceding so late into the game, it was a draw over the 98-99 minutes. But when we sit down and have a look at the game and review it, there were so many positives,” Mullins said.
“We know that, obviously, our league will be a tough league, and a tough campaign. There’s a lot of things I saw Saturday which we need to take out and take into our league campaign.
“There’s a few bits that we need to leave behind. We’re not the finished article, but like I say, we pushed a good League One side the whole way on Saturday. They had to be at their limit to beat us.”
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Some of County’s signings are also starting to make their mark in South Wales.
Yahya Bamba announced himself on the scene with spectacular long-range strike to open the scoring against the Dons – and Bournemouth loanee Alfie Merritt drew praise on social media for his performance against Italian giants Roma.
The Newport boss has urged for patience with youngster Merritt as he settles into life in South Wales.
“There’s loads of bits that I can see in Alfie’s game which could potentially help us this season. We know he’s a young player. There’s going to be times we’re going to have to be patient with him.
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“We’re here to try and help him and try and help his game. We know we’re in the results business and Alfie knows that he’s got to be ready for Saturday if his chance comes.”
The possibility of further recruitment has also not been ruled out by the head coach.
“There are bits that we are trying to do. Whether they entirely all come off, no-one knows,” Mullins added.
“There are a lot of clubs trying to do business now. We’re no different. Some targets you go for, two or three clubs are in for the same player.
“We just have to be quite cute and quite shrewd in what we’re doing and try and get the targets that we’re after, I’m sure there will be incomings.”
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Problems at home again?
During the 2025-26 season Newport had the fourth worst home record in the league. [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
The first task for Newport is the visit of newly promoted Rochdale on Saturday.
But they will have their work cut out for them. The Dale finished second in last season’s National League, amassing a whopping 106 points before defeating Boreham Wood in the play-off final.
If they are to avoid another relegation battle, the Exiles will also have to address last season’s woeful home record which saw them win just five league games all season.
Mullins expressed his desire to turn Rodney Parade into a difficult place for opponents.
“We spoke as a group about what we want to try and do this season, how we’re going to affect opposition and teams that come to Rodney Parade. It can’t be an easy game,” he said.
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“It’s got to be a tough game. That’s what we’re going to be setting up to do.
“We know most weekends, it’ll be tough. We won’t always get the result we want. There might be things that go against us, but I think as long as the fans can see what we’re trying to do, I’m sure they’ll be with us.”
As they bid to turn their home fortunes around, the Exiles will be looking to go one better than last season, when they were held to an opening-day draw by Notts County,
The new boss is relishing the prospect of his first competitive home game and has called on the County faithful to get behind his side on Saturday.
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“I can’t wait to get going,” enthused Mullins.
“My hunger is to try to deliver for the fans and get results at home. I know it would be a big plus point.
“We need them on our side. We need the fans to turn up and help the lads try to get all three points. We need to hear them.
“I’m sure we’ll give them things on the pitch to feed off. We know we need to bring energy and excitement, and the fans will come with us.”
How far can they go?
County finished last season in 20th place with 43 points [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Greater stability will be the priority for County this year after last season’s dramatic, yet difficult campaign.
Chairman Huw Jenkins will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s failed gamble on former Manchester United professional development phase coach Dave Hughes, who was sacked after just 16 games with Newport sitting bottom of League Two.
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Jenkins has since put his faith in the former Fulham U21’s head coach, who believes the club is a right fit for him.
“I spoke to Huw and the direction in which he wants to go in the future and all the infrastructure that we’re speaking about. It was definitely the right fit at the right time,” said Mullins.
“I’d been at Fulham for three years and I think I’d given them as much as I could have given them at the time and I was ready to go back into first team.”
So just how far can Newport go under the leadership of Mullins?
“We are trying to take it as far as we can. I think there’s a lot of stuff that’s going on in the background which is really good,” said Mullins
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“It’s something that I definitely want to be part of. I think the vision is obviously trying to make Newport strong as we can.
“We’re going to push, push and push as much as we can to be as effective as we can every weekend. Where that takes us, if we’re positive enough, should be in the right half of the table.”
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