Newport County

Ioan Griffiths
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

County boss Christian Fuchs insists his side have to "keep pushing forward" as they prepare to welcome Colchester United to Rodney Parade on Saturday, 7 March (15:00 GMT).

The Exiles claimed a vital victory at home on Tuesday when they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1, sparking wild celebrations between the fans and the players.

"I think everybody was looking forward to the game, I think there were certain expectations in the game that got a bit higher after Tranmere's red card," said Fuchs.

"The fans were massively important to us on Tuesday. The players also got to enjoy the moment as well."

County supporters will be hoping this result can be a catalyst for their survival as they moved out of the relegation zone and up to 22nd for the first time in 151 days after their midweek win.

Newport boss Fuchs praised his players mentality and is hoping County's good form continues.

"Now it's time to build on the momentum. The boys have bought in and you can tell," Fuchs said.

"When you look at the Fleetwood game, we had four or five players cramping up because they ran so much, they got up, shook it off and kept going, that's the mentality you need.

"It's a good time right now, a good place, but again we need to follow up on what they've built so far and keep pushing forward."

County's opponents on Saturday are 12th placed Colchester United, who are managed by former Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley.

The U's come into the clash having lost their last two league games, damaging their push for the play-offs.

Despite their superior league position, Fuchs says his side will be focusing on themselves.

"They are coming off a bad run so you'd obviously expect a reaction from them and they have some very decent players," he said.

"But again, it's another game for us where we have to look at ourselves. We need to get the basics right. Running, fighting, everything that it takes to earn your right to play.

"Every time we've done that we've put in a decent performance, that was the case on Tuesday. So I'm looking forward to seeing the boys out there on Saturday again."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County welcome fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT), in what is another vital game in their relegation battle.

County currently sit 24th in League Two, despite a hard fought 0-0 draw away at Fleetwood last time out.

Their opponents are on a poor run of form, Tranmere have lost their last three league games in a row, leaving them sat in 19th.

Despite this, Christian Fuchs insists his side are focusing on themselves and no one else.

"We know that we have it in our hands and we do not really care what the others do." Fuchs said.

"We need to make sure that we perform well, we need to show our resilience and obviously we want to be a bit more of a goal threat as well.

"If we just take care of own performance then I'm sure the results will come, but it's really nice to have a run of home games now as well."

After Tuesday's game The Exiles will welcome Colchester United for the second of their two home fixtures on the spin.

County will see this as a huge opportunity to push themselves up the table.

Boss Christian Fuchs believes his side's last two away performances will put them in good shape for the upcoming fixtures.

"From our last two away games we've walked away with four points, which has been incredible." Said Fuchs.

"They were two very similar games with two very similar pitches as well which did not help us.

"I think it showed the mentality of the group, they're a very good and caring group. They want to put this club in a better place and they want to fight for the badge."

Image source, Huw Evans Agency

Former Wales striker Nathan Blake says staying at Rodney Parade would be vital for Newport County if they suffer relegation to the National League.

The Exiles, who are bottom of League Two, play at Rodney Parade under a lease agreement with stadium owners Dragons RFC.

"If they were stopped from playing there I'd fear for Newport, I really would. It's so important that they stay in the Football League if they can, " Blake told BBC Radio Wales.

"But if they can't stay up, staying at Rodney Parade would be the difference for me between them tumbling down the leagues and out of business or being able to attract players to help them back up."

Newport are currently two points from safety, but have picked up under former Premier League winner Christian Fuchs.

County have one of the lowest wage bills in League Two, and do not own their own stadium or training ground, and Exiles owner Huw Jenkins has warned that Newport face harsh financial realities in future.

"They don't have their own ground, they don't have their own training pitch, they don't have great new facilities, so attracting players is difficult because there's so much competition," said Blake

"Being able to attract players and quality players is so important, because they want to play on nice training grounds and nice pitches. If you haven't got those things it's a problem when you need to attract quality players to your club.

"Newport rugby saying that they'll continue to do business with County next season, I think it's vital. If I was Huw Jenkins I'd be thanking them big time."

County are next in action on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT), as they welcome Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade in another crucial game in their battle against relegation.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County captain Matt Baker is adamant that the League Two strugglers have the quality to survive and push even higher to "finish nearer mid-table" as the Exiles prepare to host Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT).

Despite sitting bottom of the table, 23-year old Baker says Newport can put a run of wins together to build confidence as they look to make it two unbeaten in the league for just the third time this season.

"We want to maintain our club's status. We are fully focused on doing that," said Baker, who has played every minute for County since 26 December, 2025.

"This is a great club. All we want is to keep the club up. This is the club that gave me my chance in senior football. We have fantastic support, with fans travelling home and away. It's time to give something back."

Despite County picking up only one win in eight league games, Baker remains confident County can survive, drawing on the run of a team like Shrewsbury Town as a reason for optimism.

The Shrews, now 17th, moved away from danger following a run of five wins in a row.

"It's about consistency and cutting out mistakes. League Two is a league where anyone can beat anybody. We need to be clinical and take our chances," said Baker.

"A run of wins gives you confidence. It's about being consistent and cutting out mistakes.

"I want us to finish nearer mid-table. I think it's possible - 100 percent."

Baker, who first joined Newport on loan from Stoke City in January 2023, has emerged as a leader even through multiple managerial changes.

The defender is a former Wales youth captain at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, but he credits former Newport skipper James Clarke as a major influence in shaping him as a leader.

"When I first came to Newport, Clarkey was a big help to me," said Baker.

"He was a great communicator and superb with younger lads. When he retired, I realised I would need to step into his boots."

The January transfer window saw the arrival of five new signings - most notably Sven Sprangler and Harrison Biggins in midfield and his now centre-back partner Ryan Delaney - but also saw the exit of Clarke, who retired from professional football.

"There was obviously a turnaround in the squad during January," said Baker.

"I think they [the new signings] have done their best to keep everything enjoyable and provide a positive environment.

"Everyone has bought into it and believes in it."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County will be looking to bounce back from a "disappointing" 2-0 loss to Cambridge United as they head to Fleetwood Town on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Stuck in the League Two relegation zone, manager Christian Fuchs insists that "every game is a cup game" from here on out, demanding total commitment.

"It must be our first nature to fight for every inch, to go after every ball, get stuck in and run for your life," he said.

Fuchs had only been in charge for five games prior to the last meeting of the two sides and expects "a very different game" this time around, largely due to challenging pitch conditions at Highbury Stadium.

"I've seen some of their recent games at home and it doesn't look good," Fuchs said.

"The pitch isn't really there to play football, but nevertheless we need to show bravery.

"They'll be coming over the flanks, delivering balls into the box. It's going to be a tough game, but a challenge we're definitely up for."

Fleetwood, chasing a third straight victory, will pose a stern test, but County are boosted by the return of midfielder Matt Smith and forward Bobby Kamwa.

But they will be without Tom Davies who was forced off in the 18th minute against Cambridge, leaving Anthony Driscoll-Glennon likely to start.

Fellow defender Lee Jenkins also remains sidelined after what Fuchs described as a "freak injury" in training.

"It's frustrating for Lee because he wants to be out there," said Fuchs.

"We need a player like him especially in games like Fleetwood with his physical presence and his ability to win duels, but everyone else needs to step up."

One recent positive has been the return of "big voice" forward Courtney Baker-Richardson.

"It was good to have him back especially in Salford, which was something that suited him well, getting stuck in there, getting the first-ball, the header, the second-balls, just being a body in there that competes," added Fuchs.

"I'm very happy to have him on board."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County manager Christian Fuchs has urged supporters to recognise the spirit his side are showing in defeat.

County's 2-0 loss at home Cambridge United was met with frustration and audible boos from the fans.

"It's always OK for fans to have their opinion, but I think they should also recognise what the boys have been through for the whole season," said Fuchs.

"And what they have shown in Salford and in those 60-65 minutes [against Cambridge] that they have probably defensively outworked a team that for me is one of the best teams in the league."

It took Cambridge until the 73rd minute to break County's resistance and it came following a change in formation, which Fuchs believes shows a "form of respect" as to how well his side did to dispel the U's attacking threat.

"Whoever steps on the field, whoever is there, tries to give everything for the club," Fuchs added.

"I've seen a lot of improvement already where we actually play real good football. I understand that performances are not necessarily equalling results, but if we don't perform, we don't give ourselves a chance to even get anything."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Despite Newport County sitting bottom of the football league, manager Christian Fuchs remains confident their fate is still in their own hands.

County have won just one of their last five League Two games, mainly against sides pushing for promtion, with the season now entering a crucial phase.

"The way we played over that stretch of five games was very competitive. I didn't feel we were misplaced or outplayed in any of them. We played our fair part and could have come away from every game with something," Fuchs said.

"Football-wise, we can compete against anybody. We know the league can change very quickly from one week to the other.

"Based on the games we've played so far, we still have it in our own hands. A good run of two or three games and the table looks completely different. It's important for us to have this life-line."

County's most recent league outing ended in a 2-0 defeat to Cambridge United, with two goals conceded in two second-half minutes.

Fuchs described that spell as "disappointing" and echoed assistant Mark Smith's call for players to show greater resilience and not feel "sorry for themselves".

"It's something we've addressed, and unfortunately it has been the story of our season," Fuchs said.

"When you go a goal down, that's when you need to push yourself even more and not put your head down. Feeling sorry for yourself should not be in the vocabulary in this business.

"You just need to go again and again. We still had 30 minutes to play. Some teams go 1-0 down in a Champions League final and turn it around in extra time. It happens, you just have to keep believing and push forward."

Despite his side's precarious position, former Premier League winners Fuchs retains full belief in his players.

"If I was to work with a team right now that actually walks away without any faith in themselves, without any belief that they can make something happen, that would be tough," he said, "but we created chances that should be goals. There's a lot of belief in the team."

Fuchs will be hoping his team kickstart their comeback when they travel to Fleetwood Town on Saturday, 28 February (15:00 GMT) looking to avenge their previous 2-0 defeat to the Fisherman in December.

Assistant manager Mark Smith says Newport County have "13 six-pointers" to play this season as they look to avoid relegation from League Two.

Christian Fuchs' side are bottom of the table and three points adrift of 22nd-placed Barrow - who have a game in hand - following their weekend home defeat to high-flying Cambridge United.

Speaking after the game, Smith said Newport players must not feel sorry for themselves.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County assistant manager Mark Smith says the players must stop "going into their shell" when falling behind in games.

The Exiles held their own against high-flying Cambridge United on Saturday, but conceded twice in three minutes late on to fall to a 2-0 defeat.

It is not the first time this season that County have conceded in quick succession having fallen behind.

And Smith - who took charge on Saturday in the absence of the unwell Christian Fuchs - says enough is enough.

"We were in the game, there was just a period of five minutes that it got away from us," Smith told BBC Sport Wales.

"When we go down a goal we cannot let it affect us so much, that's the third time since we've been here that it has happened.

"I think they just felt sorry for themselves at that point, when we make errors we go into our shell, we need more people to say there is plenty of time to put things right."

Defeat leaves Newport bottom of League Two, three points adrift of safety with 13 games left to play.

And while Smith acknowledged the recent run of results, he remained optimistic about Newport's chances of survival.

"We are not where we want to be but at the same time we have time to put things right and we believe that we can," Smith said.

"The players are giving us everything, we saw that against Salford. They are fighting and for a big spell today [Cambridge] were worried but we need to turn that into more.

"Every game now we have to see as a six-pointer, a fight. We knew this was going to be a tough period but it would not define our season.

"There are a lot of home games to go and we still have to play everyone around us."

Ioan Griffiths

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Christian Fuchs says his Newport side "do not have to hide from anyone" as they prepare to welcome third-place Cambridge United to Rodney Parade.

The Exiles come into the fixture following an impressive performance on Tuesday when they beat promotion-chasing Salford 3-1 to boost their survival chances.

County are still 24th in the League Two table, but have closed the gap to safety to just three points.

Despite their precarious position, Fuchs believes his side do not need to fear any side in the division.

"A win is always something you can build on, especially confidence. The boys have seen as well now that they're really good when it comes to a game that requires maybe a little bit more fighting," Fuchs said.

"They've done brilliant in the last game and we do not have to hide from anybody. We can play good football, we can put our stamp on the game, it's just about confidence.

"If we play our game, if we keep it simple and we put the balls into the right areas, the result will come by itself."

County's opponents on Saturday are Cambridge United (15:00 GMT), managed by former Cardiff City boss Neil Harris.

The U's, who are currently third in the table, are unbeaten in their last three matches and are aiming for an instant return to League One following relegation last season.

But Fuchs believes his side have improved, and can cause an upset.

"They're a decent side, they have some good individual players, but it's down to us to discourage their game."

Newport also welcomed experienced forward Courtney Baker-Richardson back from injury and he impressed in both boxes against Salford.

Fuchs has praised the mentality of the forward, and believes he will be a big help in County's battle for League Two survival.

"He's come back and played an hour and made a big impact, that's very impressive to do that straight away. He has a great mentality," Fuchs said.

"That mentality can be infectious as well, he carried a lot of players with him, he infected them with his mentality. He done well in there and he's just a big body to deal with."

Ioan Griffiths

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport's Ben Lloyd believes they have enough quality to survive their relegation battle.

The on-loan Swansea midfielder scored his first league goal on Tuesday, a wonderful solo effort which helped secure a crucial 3-1 win away at promotion chasing Salford to boost County's survival hopes.

But the danger of relegation is still looming large over Newport. They sit 24th in the League Two table, three points from safety.

Despite this, the 20-year-old believes The Exiles have shown they are good enough to battle with the best in the division.

"We've shown we can compete against the likes of Salford this season. They're near the top and recently, we've been competing but we haven't really been getting the results. So Tuesday was massive," said Lloyd.

"We really feel like we can kick on now. If we just keep putting in the work like we put in Tuesday night, I'm more than confident we can get out of this."

The midfielder has had to be patient for opportunities under Christian Fuchs, who has even dropped Lloyd out of some of his matchday squads this season.

Despite this, Lloyd was trusted in an attacking midfield role during Tuesday's win at Salford and put in one of his best performances of the season.

He praised manager Christian Fuchs, who has given him the freedom he needs to perform.

"Recently probably has been a tough few weeks for me. But I've had really good conversations with the gaffer and he said to me, your chance will come.

"He stuck to his word and he gave me my chance Tuesday and hopefully I've repaid him.

"He gives me a bit of freedom and that's what I need, as a player, so I can express myself. He just breathes so much confidence in me as a player and I think Tuesday night proved that."

Image source, EFL

Puma's Rainbow ball will return to the English Football League as part of an on-going campaign against discrimination and homophobia.

The special edition rainbow ball was introduced in 2024 to mark LGBTQ+ History Month and will be used at every EFL game from 20 February until 1 March.

Manufacturers Puma will make a donation to Football v Homophobia for every goal scored with their rainbow ball across the Championship, League One and League Two.

The donations will help support education against homophobia and promote inclusion across the season.

The EFL have released a video, external to coincide with the campaign which features a Preston North End fan who was charged with a hate crime following homophobic chanting during an FA Cup fixture against Chelsea.

The rainbow ball will also feature in EFL partner EA Sports' FC 26 video game.

"The rainbow ball is a powerful symbol of the values we uphold across the EFL all season long," EFL chief executive officer Trevor Birch said.

"It not only reflects our longstanding commitment to ensuring the League is representative of all its diverse communities, but also reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating an environment in which everyone feels they truly belong."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Former Wales international Iwan Roberts says Newport County players will be feeling "lower than a snake's belly" after Saturday's 1-0 loss to MK Dons stretched their winless run to five games.

County are rock bottom of League Two after relegation rivals Harrogate Town earned a point against Chesterfield to move up to 23rd.

For the second game running, County boss Christian Fuchs believed his side were "the better team overall".

"Everybody can see a team out there that is alive, that plays good football, that is also creating chances," Fuchs said.

But Roberts disagrees. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales' Feast of Football phone-in, he said Fuchs has "got to try and lift the players".

"They were the better team apparently on Wednesday against Swindon, they got beat 2-0. Apparently they were the better side playing the better style of football today [Saturday], they haven't had a shot on target," Roberts said.

"The sign of madness is doing the same thing and nothing's changing, that's what's happenning to Newport.

"He's [Fuchs] demanding that they play a certain way in League Two, which is a tough league to play that type of football because I don't think they have the players to do it.

"Are they capable of performing the way he wants them to? Clearly they're not, because they keep conceding sloppy goals and they can't buy a goal."

Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon told the podcast: "They've gone down this route of attractive football. There's nothing worse as a player then feeling like you play well but still lose. You'd rather be bad and lose games."