Latest news with #Exiles
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport County can profit from League Two big spenders
The Exiles have had an encouraging start to the transfer window by signing three seasoned EFL campaigners and another player of potential from the Cymru Premier to go along with loanee Michael Reindorf. County have pulled off something of a coup by signing Wales midfielder Matt Smith, who at 25 will still have ambitions of representing his country. They have also brought in goalkeeper Nik Tzanev and striker Ged Garner, two players who are well versed in the third and fourth tiers. There has been a slight shift in the recruitment policy that is driven by owner Huw Jenkins, who last year brought in a raft of novices, the majority of them in their early 20s. So far, 23-year-old defender Lee Jenkins is the only player in that bracket after signing from Haverfordwest, while Cardiff forward Reindorf has arrived on loan for the season. Perhaps that is an acknowledgement that County got away with it last season with an inexperienced group. Maybe it's recognition that if they are to develop players to sell on then they need them to grow alongside some seasoned campaigners. BUILDING: County owner Huw Jenkins (Image: Huw Evans Agency) Trading remains a vital part of the Jenkins plan given that Newport are a club whose only assets are their staff. They don't own a training ground - pre-season is taking place at USW Sports Park in Treforest - and they are tenants at the Dragons' Rodney Parade. Those issues are not going to be solved any time soon and that means that new boss David Hughes arrives with three big tasks. The first is obvious – get County winning again so that they can look up the table rather than down as they were at the end of last season (albeit from a position of relative comfort). The second is to produce the goods in cup competitions to boost the coffers. The Carabao Cup doesn't actually bring in much cash so there won't be too many tiers if County lose at Barnet in the preliminary round and miss out on a round one tie against Millwall. The prize money is pretty good in the EFL Trophy and excellent in the FA Cup, which provided much-needed boosts under Michael Flynn and Graham Coughlan. That's partly down to luck of the draw – James Rowberry landed then League One Morecambe away, Nelson Jardim faced League One Peterborough in Newport – and the 2023/24 run showed that it's not just about the plum tie. Coughlan's squad had already brought in plenty of cash before the Manchester United tie thanks to three wins over National League opponents in Oldham, Barnet and Eastleigh (with a TV pick of the Bees replay earning £30,000). Last season the first round winners got £45,000 (losers £15,000), second round winners £75,000 (£20,000), third round winners £115,000 (£25,000). County might not have used cup money particularly wisely in the past but another reasonable run – it doesn't even have to feature a Premier League fixture – would ease some of the financial pressure as the club works towards some sales. The Exiles need to sell players to invest and not many clubs actually make a success out of such a policy. However, the willingness of League Two clubs and National League clubs to start spending money - Milton Keynes and Gillingham being the most eye-catching so far - presents more opportunities if County get it right. On that front, new boss Hughes and Jenkins need to make some pretty swift decisions to stop players of potential leaving on frees next summer. TALENTED: Cameron Antwi has shown glimpses of his ability for County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) Sell now or get a new (and improved) contract sorted. Winger Bobby Kamwa and centre-back Matt Baker were the relative stars of last season, rangy right-back Joe Thomas has shown promise and midfielder Cameron Antwi, who clearly has the ability but needs consistency and focus, seem to be the main assets. Centre-back Ciaran Brennan could push on, perhaps energetic but slightly wild midfielder Kai Whitmore will come back with more on-field discipline. Defenders Jaden Warner and Tom Davies were brought in from clubs higher up the pyramid for a reason in January but fitness/injury means we've not seen much of them. County need to start making decisions if they are to avoid a repeat of recent Dom Telford, Priestley Farquharson, Cameron Norman situations. There is money in the National League and League Two, which makes County's on-field task tougher but also presents more summer and January opportunities if they get their talent ID and development spot-on. SWITCH: Nick Townsend has signed for Eastleigh after leaving County (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) 2025 LEAVERS WITH NEW CLUBS NICK TOWNSEND: Eastleigh. The goalkeeper was in contract talks with County but opted for a fresh challenge with the Spitfires, who look to be having a real crack at promotion. AARON WILDIG: Gloucester City. The midfielder, who is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments, opted to quit full-time football to drop down the levels as a player-coach as he starts to look to the future. KIBAN RAI: Aldershot. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Merthyr only to suffer injury misfortune. Will play in the National League with the Shots, aiming to finally rack up games to fulfil his potential. NATHAN WOOD: Penybont. The attacking midfielder/forward returned to Cymru Premier contenders Penybont last season on loan so it was no surprise that he made the move permanent. KIERON EVANS: Eastleigh. The midfielder spent the season on loan from Cardiff but was released by the League One Bluebirds. Followed Townsend to Eastleigh, with the Spitfires claiming they had beaten EFL competition for the signing. DAVID AJIBOYE: Carlisle. The winger spend the second half of last season on loan from Peterborough and was, as expected, released by the Posh. Will hunt National League promotion with Mark Hughes' Carlisle. DESTINATION UNKNOWN Lewis Webb, Josh Seberry, Kyle Jameson, Josh Seberry, Josh Martin, Geoffroy Bony, Luke Jephcott, Hamzad Kargbo, Kyle Hudlin (has left Huddersfield after returning from loan). (Shane McLoughlin a likely leaver despite being offered a new deal but yet to be confirmed)
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Exiles to face Arsenal youngsters in EFL Trophy
Newport County will take on Arsenal Under-21s in the 2025-26 EFL Exiles were drawn alongside Cardiff City and Exeter City in Southern Group A of the competition on invited under-21 teams from Premier League clubs were added to the groups on Thursday, with the young Gunners now in alongside competition will begin in September, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the knockout stages.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport kick-off League Two season against Notts County
Newport County will kick-off their League Two campaign against Notts County at Rodney Parade on Saturday, 2 will be looking to improve upon their 22nd-place finish last season under new head coach David Hughes who replaced Nelson Jardim in first away test in League Two will be a trip to Crawley Town on Saturday, 9 Exiles will host Barnet on Boxing Day before a home match against Crewe Alexandra on 29 December. They will play their first match of 2026 away to Bromley on New Year's Day and will end the League Two campaign with a long trip north to Barrow on Saturday, 2 this link for Newport County's full 2025-26 fixture list.*Dates and kick-off times will be subject to change.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Rai joins National League Aldershot
Kiban Rai has signed for National League Aldershot after being released by Newport 20-year-old made a total of 30 appearances for the Exiles, scoring once, having made his senior debut at the age of after his contract was not renewed, the attacking midfielder or forward has joined a Shots side who finished 16th in the fifth tier last boss Tommy Widrington called Rai "a really exciting prospect".
South Wales Argus
17-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport County signing Matt Smith hungry for more Wales caps
The Exiles have pulled off a coup by landing the 25-year-old, who made 25 appearances for Scottish Premiership St Johnstone last season. He has signed a two-year contract and is a key arrival in a department that struggled in 2024/25 after the loss of Aaron Wildig to injury and sale of Bryn Morris. If Smith, who is from the West Midlands but qualifies for Wales through a grandfather from Blackwood, is the heartbeat of the County side then he should catch the eye of Craig Bellamy. That would give the 19-times capped midfielder a shot of being the first Exiles player to win a Welsh cap since Josh Sheehan in 2021. TUSSLE: Republic of Ireland's Jayson Molumby (left) and Wales' Matthew Smith battle for possession in 2020 (Image: Brian Lawless) 'It's always been a massive honour to represent Wales,' said Smith, who was a member of the squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. "Every time I put on the shirt was a really proud moment and something I look back on with fond memories. "I'd love to get back to that level again. I spent a number of years involved in the set-up and it's something I truly cherish 'Being around players of that calibre, you see the standards every day in training and around the camp. I've learnt a lot from those players, and I hope to take those experiences forward here.' Smith adds experience to the current crop of midfielders who learned plenty when getting a first proper taste of the EFL. Cameron Antwi, Kai Whitmore, Keenan Patten are all on the books, with new boss David Hughes sure to look for more options in the coming weeks. Smith came through Manchester City's academy and had loan spells with FC Twente in the Netherlands, QPR, Doncaster, Charlton and Hull before a permanent move to Milton Keynes Dons. MOVE: Matt Smith has joined County from St Johnstone, who he played for against Rangers at Ibrox (Image: Andrew Milligan) 'I've been fortunate to experience different cultures, different teams, and different systems, which have definitely helped shape me as a player,' said Smith. 'I've learnt from both the positive and challenging moments and used them to grow stronger.' The arrival of Smith sets the tone for what County hope will be a strong summer recruitment drive as they bid to improve on a campaign that saw them slip to 22nd in League Two, even if they always had a comfortable lead over the relegation zone. 'I want to be a big part of this team and help Newport push up the league and finish as strongly as possible,' said Smith. "It's got a fantastic fanbase. I've always admired the club from afar, especially with the Welsh connection, and I've seen the passion the fans bring. 'I'm hungry to be a Newport County player and I'm really excited about what's ahead. I know the fans will get behind me and the team, and I can't wait to get going.'
