Newport County welcome lead leaders to Rodney Parade for final game of 2022

 For the last time in a very eventful 2022 Newport County welcome league 2 lead leaders Leyton Orient to Rodney parade in a vitally important game. 

The visitors are formidable opposition for County as they currently sit top of league two with 52 points from 22 games. Famously Newport ended Orient's 10 game unbeaten league run earlier on in the season. Since that game Leyton Orient have only lost 1 game in the league and that came against our boxing day opponents AFC Wimbledon. Away from home Friday's visitors are top of the away form table picking up 23 points out of a possible 30 away from home. A few of the many things that makes Friday the toughest test of the season are the fact that defensively Orient are by far the best team in league 2. So far this season in 22 games they have conceded 12 goals. 4 less than the next fewest. They also have the most clean sheets than any teams in the league. A formidable task but one we've been able to beat before. 

One key thing to keep in mind going into the game is the fact that we have had an extra 24 hours to prep for the game compared to the visitors. We played on boxing day against Wimbledon and Orient played on Tuesday lunchtime against fellow promotion chasing side Stevenage which was live on Sky Sports. 

Monday was the first game in 2 weeks for us since the 1-0 defeat against Doncaster, a game in which we played really poor and the 2 week break in games didn't help the performance on Monday. We looked as if we had a bit of ring rust in the first half but we came into in as the game went on. All in all a great result considering Wimbledon are unbeaten in their past 9 and are one of the most in form sides in any division in the EFL at the moment. 

Newport will be without centre back James Clarke who has been out for a few months now. Also we will be without  It will be tough for Graham Coughlan to go without making any changes with 3 games in the space of 7 days he will surely be looking at his squad to freshen the up things. Monday we seen the first start since the start of August for Striker Offrande Zanzala. I think we will see him again Friday but I'd like to see him line up along side Omar Bogle. On look back in amber we said that those two would compliment each other in there style of play and when we seen the link up between the two at the start of the season it was something that looked really encouraging. 

I think we will squeeze a 1-0 win. It will be tough but we've done it before and we look like we have defensive solidity and stability with a back 6 of Day in goal and Norman Drysdale Farquharson Mickey D and Aaron Lewis there. The best thing is for county fans is that one of those players are 2 of those players are over the age of 30, Mickey D and Joe Day. This is so encouraging for us County fans as this back line can only get better. We've seen Priestley Farquharson and Declan Drysdale come along way in such short amounts of time which against makes good viewing for fans. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county 

 

Newport County make Villa Midfielder 11th signing of the summer

Newport county have made Hayden Lindley the 11th signing of the summer on a season long loan from Aston Villa. 

He started his career off at Manchester City before moving to the Villa in 2019. 

He's predominantly featured in Premier League 2 for Villa making 30 appearances over the past 3 seasons. 

He made his first team debut for a covid hit Aston Villa side when they took on Liverpool in the 3rd round back in 2021. His only other appearance was last season in the 2nd round of the League Cup against Barrow.

He played on Tuesday in the papa John's trophy against AFC Wimbledon and had an impressive game. He completed 69 passes (85.2% accuracy). He won 100% of his ground duels, made 8 clearances, 3 shots he blocked and 1 tackle. The last player we had from Villa wasn't too bad now was he. 

He looks like a defensive minded midfielder who has the ability to make a pass or 2. Maybe in the Josh Sheehan mold? This type of player will be very welcome at the club. We have really missed someone of that ilk. Someone who can controll the game from the heart of midfield. Hopefully Hayden is that player.

On the signing of Hayden manager James Rowberry said "I’m delighted to welcome Hayden to the club! His leadership qualities as Aston Villa Under-23s captain and his attributes as a midfielder will help us as we aim to make this season a successful one. I know you will give Hayden a warm welcome when you see him!”

Welcome Hayden

Welcome Thierry Nevers

Newport County's 10 signing of the summer is Striker Thierry Nevers who has signed a season long loan at the club. 

This is light of the news that Offrande Zanzala will be out for a few weeks with an issue with his tendon on his hamstring as James Rowberry said after the Salford game on Tuesday night.

Thierry started off his career at Reading coming through the academy at the royals.  He scored 5 goals in 14 games for them over 2 seasons in the Premier league 2. 

He then moved to West Ham for compensation which is believed to be close to a million pound. He has really come into his own over the past season for West Ham in Premier league 2 scoring 7 and setting up 3 goals for the Hammers in 19. He also scored in his only appearance in the Papa Johns trophy last season against Gillingham in a 2-0 win.

On the signing of Thierry, James Rowbery said “I am delighted to welcome Thierry to our club, he will provide a strong work ethic and huge energy on our attacking line. I am sure you’ll give a warm welcome to Thierry on Saturday.”

Welcome Thierry.

Can Newport end worst home run for 5 years against Salford?

 Newport County will look to end their worst home run in 5 and a half years against a side who have been a boogie team in recent years in the form of Salford City at Rodney Parade. 

Not since the year of the great escape have County had a worse run at home than now. We lost 8 consecutive games at home between November 2016 and January 2017 under Graham Westley. (credit to Stephen Howell for that stat.) Rodney Parade has been a fortress over the past 4 years under previous management and its time to draw up the drawbridge if we are to be successful this season. 

We're seeing a bit of a hangover from the poor form that seen us miss out on the play offs last season. The last time we had back to back wins was all the way back in March in which we was a run of 7 unbeaten. Since then we have only managed 3 wins in 13 competitive games. Over the summer so far we have made 9 signings. They will take a bit of time to gel and I believe that things will come up alright in time. The win against Luton fills me with confidence that things will improve in quick time. 

Saturday against Bradford has left James Rowberry with quite a few selection headaches going into the game tomorrow with centre back Declan Drysdale receiving a red card against the bantams and both Aaron Wildig and Robbie Wilmott picking up injuries on the weekend. James Clarke is likely to return as the right sided centre back in place of Drysdale but Rowberry wants to shake things up then he could have Aaron Lewis as a right wing back and move Cameron Norman into the back 3. There will be opportunity in midfield with both Wildig and Wilmott out who starts in the 3? James Waite has impressed in the cameo's he has had so far this season. Sam Bowen has looked a real quality player in the 3 games he started for the club so far this season. County new boy Nathan Moriah-Welsh could be set to make a first start. Plenty of selection headaches for Rowberry. 

Salford have made their best start to a league 2 campaign since their promotion to the EFL in 2019. 2 wins and a draw have meant that Salford currently sit 3rd in the very early League 2 table. They changed their manager yet again over the summer seeing old boss Gary Bowyer depart and former Manchester United youth coach Neil wood take the reigns at the peninsula stadium. They made 6 signing over the summer so far with them looking to turn the heavy spending into success this season. 

Newport haven't beaten Salford in league football full stop. The only time we have managed to beat Salford was in the Fa cup 2nd round tie at Rodney parade in November 2020. In 5 games we have played Salford in the league we have lost 3 and drew 2. They also knocked us out of the papa john's trophy semi final in 2020 just before the country went into lockdown. 

Before the game tomorrow Newport City Radio will be holding a bucket collection around the ground. It's an organisation which is very close to my heart. We're a not for profit charity organisation who rely solely on volunteers. All donations are very much appreciated and will go along way.

I think we will end our baron run tomorrow evening as I believe we will win 2-0.What do you think wil happen tomorrow night?  Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county 

Guyana International adds to Newport midfield.

 Newport County make Nathan Moriah-welsh their 9th signing of the summer. The Guyana international joins Newport on a season long loan from Premier League side Bournemouth. 

Nathan started his youth career at Chelsea before moving to Reading and then he joined his current side Bournemouth back in 2019.  He made his debut last season for Bournmouth in the Fa Cup 3rd round against Yeovil 

Having been born in England he had the options of representing either England, Guyana or Grenada at international level but he chose Guyana and made his debut for them on the 30th march 2021 in a 4-0 win over The Bahamas. He has made 8 apperences for the Golden Jaguars

 On the signing of Nathan, James Rowberry said “I'd like to welcome Nathan to our club, I’m really pleased that we can add another midfield player to our ranks, he brings energy athleticism and good ball playing qualities to that department. I'd like to thank Bournemouth in their trust in allowing Nathan to come and join us.”

Welcome Nathan

Welcome Omar Bogle

Newport County have added to their attacking ranks with the 8th signing of the summer, Striker Omar Bogle who joins the Club for an Undisclosed fee from Hartlepool United. 

The signing was first announced to those who was in attendance at last nights meet the manager and the gaffer himself James Rowberry announced the signing which was a very cool moment. At the event manager James Rowberry said that he is a "really important signing for us" and joins an exciting looking front line of new signings Will Evans, Chanka Zimba and Offrande Zanzala along with Lewis Collins who was already at the club.  

Bogle came through the non league route at Hinckley United and then Solihull Moors following his release from Celtic in 2011. He helped Grimsby earn promotion to the football league as they went through the National league play offs. He scored twice in that final as they beat Forest Green Rovers in that final 3-1. On that day he was partnered by County icon Padraig Amond.

In his first season in the EFL he tore up league 2 scoring 19 goals in 27 games before earning himself a move to Championship outfit Wigan Athletic. In the summer of 2017 he made the move across the border to Cardiff City. He made 10 appearances in the first half of the season getting 3 goals as the bluebirds got promotion to the Premier League. In the 2nd half of that season he moved to league one outfit Peterborough scoring 1 in 9 games. He's also had loans to Birmingham City, Portsmouth and most notably ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands where he worked under Alan Pardue for a few months as the season over there got suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the summer of 2020 he got released from Cardiff and joined up with Charlton Athletic and later went on to Join Doncaster permanently in the January of that season. Between both clubs he played 34 times scoring the 4 goals. Last season he started off at Doncaster Rovers in league one scoring 1 in 10 for them before making the switch to Hartlepool in January. In the second half of last season he got 5 goals in 20 games as they comfortably survived the drop on their first season back in the EFL.      

 James Rowberry also added “I’m really pleased to welcome Omar to Newport
County AFC, with myself and Carl [Serrant, assistant manager] having worked with him previously,
we know what he can bring to the team. It’s another exciting signing for us and I would like to thank Gavin Foxall, Pete Madigan and Darren Kelly for the work they have put into this. I’m sure you’ll give Omar a really warm welcome.” 

Welcome Omar!

Welcome Adam Lewis

 The 2nd Newport County signing in as many days is confirmed to be left back Adam Lewis on loan from Liverpool. He is the 2nd loanee from the Mersyside club in 2 seasons as last season Jake Cain made 28 appearances for the exiles last season. 

 

This signing is a bit of a statement of intent from the club. Adam is a player that has played internationally for England at various youth levels. He came through at Liverpool playing at u19 level in the Uefa Youth League, this is the Champions league for academy sides. In his age group was players likes Curtis Jones, Ki-Jana Hoever and Jake Cain so he's come through with quality at Liverpool. In the 2019 pre season he made a few appearances in friendly's serving mainly as an understudy to Andy Robertson. He made his official debut for the reds in their FA Cup 4th round replay against Shrewbury at Anfield. He made the move in that summer to french second division side Amiens. He made 9 appearances for the side in a six month stint as they finished 10th. In the 2nd half of the season he was sent out on loan to South west side Plymouth on loan as he helped them survive in league one. In 20 games he scored 1 goal and set up 2 goals as well with a very brief spell playing in the same side as ex county goal man Dom Telford. In the season just gone he was up in Scotland with Livingston making 13 appearances in all competitions. 

He will no doubt be looking to kick on in his career and hopefully its at Newport County. He will add much needed quality down the left hand side following Ryan Haynes' departure over the summer. He will have a tough battle on his hands competing with Aaron Lewis down the left hand side. I think he is a fantastic signing for a league 2 club and as the players return to pre season today.            

 On the signing of Adam manager James Rowberry said “I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the club and I’m excited to see how his qualities will improve us as a team. I have no doubt that his experience at higher levels, as well as his international pedigree, will be a huge help to our processes to take the club forward. I know our supporters will give Adam a very warm welcome when they get the chance to see him!”

Welcome Adam!

Welcome Offrande Zanzala

Newport County have announced their 7th signing of the summer and its is none other than Congolese Striker Offrande Zanzala.

Zanzala, born in Brazzaville in the Congo follows Will Evans, Sam Bowen, Aaron Wildig, Declan Drysdale and Chanka Zimba through the door this summer and adds much needed depth up front and adds competition for Zimba, Lewis Collins and Will Evans in the attacking department. 

 

Zanzala came through at Derby County. Whilst at the Rams he had spells out on loan at Stevenage,   Chester and Accrington the latter of which bought him on a permanent deal in 2018 as he helped the club to promotion to league one. In the 3rd tier he notched up 4 goals in 27 appearances. Over the past 2 years he's been at multiple clubs. From Accrington he went to Crewe Alexandra only making 5 appearances at the club before joining Carlisle United. He made 22 appearances for the Cambrian outfit with a 5 goals and 2 assist return for the striker. In the season just gone he started the season off at Barrow before making the switch in January to Exeter where he linked up with former County striker Padraig Amond. 

The 6 foot 1 inch Striker will be seen as a replacement to Courtney Baker-Richardson who moved on in the summer with a tall and commanding presence who can win headers and knockdowns for players around him. With him being 25 he will be coming into the prime of his career and hopefully we see that at Newport County

 On the signing of Offrande or Oz as he also goes by James Rowberry said “I’m really pleased to welcome Offrande to our club. I’ve been speaking to him for the past week or two and I’m excited on how he can help the team and how we can develop him. We’ve fought off some really strong competition for his signature and I would like to thank Darren (Kelly, Sporting Director), Gavin (Foxall, chairman), and the board for their support in making Offrande a Newport County AFC player. I’m sure you’ll give him a warm welcome when you meet him!”    

Welcome Offrande

Welcome Declan Drysdale

 This morning County announced their 2nd signing in as many days by adding Coventry City defender Declan Drysdale to their defensive ranks he can also play in midfield. The 22 year old is County's 5th summer signing after Sam Bowen, Will Evans, Chanka Zimba and Aaron Wildig who was officially announced yesterday.

Despite only being 22 Drysdale has had plenty of experience in his short time in football. He came through at Tranmere Rovers in 2017 but only made 2 league appearances in 3 seasons both in the national league. He was then let go by Tranmere in 2019 where he found himself at Coventry City. In his first 6 months at the club he predominantly featured in the Papa Johns Trophy. He only made 1 appearance in league one for the sky blues coming in a 2-1 win against Rochdale. He then has been out on a number of loans to Solihull Moors where he made 3 first team appearances, all starts in his time there. He then was sent out to Gillingham in league one for the first part of the 2020-21 season. He found more first team success here making 13 appearances in all comps. In the 2nd half of the season he found himself at high flying Cambridge in sky bet league 2. He helped the U's to promotion as they finished 2nd in the table. He also has a promotion at Coventry as well as they earned promotion to the Championship. He made 13 appearances there scoring one goal which was the winner at Rodney parade last year. He spent the last 6 months out on loan at Ross County in the Cinch Scottish premiership only making 6 appearances in all comps. 

On the signing of Declan manager James Rowberry said that “Declan at 22 already has
two promotions on his CV and has really good experience within senior football for his age. He brings a physicality and technical ability to our back line as well as showing he can be a leader.
I’m excited to be working with Declan. I’m sure you’ll give Declan a warm welcome to our club.” 

Welcome Declan.

Welcome Aaron Wildig

Newport County's 4th signing of the summer has been announced as former Morecambe midfielder Aaron Wildig. 

A 30 year old experienced campaigner who has played the past season in league one playing 22 times with 16 starts. In that time he racked up 2 goals and 4 assists in sky bet league one in the 2021-22 season. He also scored the only goal of the game as his previous side Morecambe knocked Newport County out the FA cup in the 1st round. He was a key player in Morecambe's promotion 2 seasons ago playing 40 games and racking up 9 goals and 5 assists last time he was in league 2. 

Wildig came through at Cardiff in 2009 making 13 apperances for the bluebirds. He then went out on loan to Hamilton up in Scotland and Shrewsbury in which he played a key part in their promotion to league one as they finished 2nd in league 2. He made the permanent switch in 2012 spending 3 more years there. A loan spell to Kidderminster then followed in 2015 before going up to Morecambe where he has spent the past 7 years. He was the club captain there so he comes in with plenty of experience and leadership. 

On the signing County manager James Rowberry said “Aaron brings a wealth of
experience to our attacking department and the team. Having two promotions on his CV, along with
his leadership qualities, I’m really looking forward to working with Aaron.I’m sure you’ll give Aaron a very warm welcome to our club.”

Welcome Aaron.

Wales v Ukraine preview the biggest game in our history?

 Sunday June 5th 2022, Arguably the biggest day in the history of Welsh football as it is only Ukraine that stands between us and a first world cup final in 64 years.

Wales made it to the play off final nearly 3 months ago as another Gareth Bale masterclass seen us get past Austria 2-1. Gareth Bale did Gareth Bale things as he kicked of the scoring with one of the best free kicks he's ever scored in his career which sent the Cardiff City Stadium into a state of frenzy. He then doubled our lead just 6 minutes into the 2nd half. Austria did pull one back through Marcel Sabitzer but we managed to hold on to move to within 1 game of the world cup.  

Ukraine made it through only Wednesday as for obvious reason their semi final against Scotland was delayed until this international break. It was their first competitive game since November last year and for most of the squad who play their football in the Ukranian Premier League it was their first competitive game since the war broke out 101 days ago. They have had 3 friendly in the build up to this against 3 club sides Borussia Monchengladbach, Empoli and Rijeka respectively. They beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park on Wednesday night in a pretty dominant win for them with goals coming from Andriy Yarmolenko formally of West Ham, Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk.

They have quite a few good players that can cause us a lot of problems. Some of the key men to look out for are Roman Yaremchuk of Benfica, Ruslan Malinovskyi of Atalanta, Vitaliy Mykolenko who has just helped keep Everton in the Premier League and recent Premier League winner Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City. They will be motivated even more than usual with the horrific scenes we're seeing day in day out in their home land. 

Also this past Wednesday Wales kicked off there League A campaign in the UEFA Nations League as we lost away in Poland 2-1 with pretty much a B team playing in that one. The only players I could see keeping their place is Danny Ward in goal, Joe Morrell in midfield and maybe the front 2 of Dan James and Kieffer Moore but that all depends on what system manager Rob Page wants to use. The likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies wasn't risked in this game as Sunday is more important that the game last week.

The Fortess that is the Cardiff City Stadium will once again be the 12th man. They will do everything in their power to push Cymru over the finishing line and see us finally get to the world cup.We have only lost 1 in 19 at the CCS with that 1 defeat coming back in 2019 to european championship semi finalists Denmark 2-1 The home of Welsh football, the Cardiff city stadium will be bouncing and win lose or draw we will push the team until the very end.

I think we will win 2-0 with goals from Bale and Ramsey, 2 Welsh legend being the difference and getting us to the World Cup. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county. CMON CYMRU!!!  

Newport 2-1 Barrow review

 A return of fans and a good return for Dom Telford who's 2 goals helped Newport County take all 3 points at a cold Rodney Parade which welcomed back the amber army after nearly a month and a half behind closed doors due to welsh government restrictions. 

There were 3 changes for County this afternoon as we seen Dom Telford, Finn Azaz and James Clarke all come in for Alex Fisher, Josh Pask and Robbie Willmott.

Newport started like a house on fire with the 1st goal coming just under 90 seconds in as Dom Telford got his 19 goal of the season after he got his head on the end of a Cameron Norman cross which is remarkable considering he was the smallest player on the pitch. 

Dom Telford broke the 20 goal barrier in the 12th minute with a fantastic curling goal into the top left hand corner which Paul Farman had no chance in saving. He is the 1st County player to get 20 league goals since John Aldridge back in the 80's.  

County started off the better team with lots of pressure being applied to the struggling Barrow defence. We've been fast starters as of late with 2 goals in the opening 10 mins in the last 4 games which is something that has helped us most importantly settle into the game. 

Being 2-0 down woke Barrow up as they grew into the 1st half as it went on forcing a few good saves from Nick Townsend. The Keeper showed why he has taken the GK spot of County Icon Joe Day. 

In the 1st half County showed a real clinical side to their game with 66% shots to shots on goal ratio and a 50% shots on target to goal ratio. Pretty impressive is you ask me. 

In the 2nd half Barrow were out early im sure their manager Mark Cooper had a few words to say to them at half time. He also made a change as Connor Brown came on for Matty Platt. It looked like what ever he said worked as Barrow started the 2nd half a lot better than they had in the 1st half. 

63 minutes in and they got a goal back after a strange moment from Mickey Demetriou who put the ball into his own net.

We seen the introduction of new signing Rob Street in the 76th minute as he came on for CBR. He  did ok for me he held the ball up really well which let our creative players such as Oli Cooper to come into the game more.    

Barrow pushed for an equalizer but County stayed strong and shown why they have improved defencively as of late.I think the missing Josh Pask was a huge blow for us. James Rowberry confirmed that it was a 'freak injury' and Pask will have a scan on his knee on Monday. If its serious then we might dip into the transfer window and look to maybe get another Center back in. Also Dom Telford is all but staying this window.

An in depth breakdown of the game is coming tomorrow on look back in amber at 3pm on Newport City Radio with me, Stephen and Lamsie. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county 

 

Newport put the Salford result behind them emphatically

 Newport county and Harrogate Town went to battle on a cold and empty Rodney Parade in a rather strange kick off time of 12:30 to follow UEFA streaming rules. A good performance was needed after the ludicrous display last weekend against Salford City at an empty Rodney Parade.

There was no manager James Rowberry on the touchline today due to covid as assistant Wayne Hatswell was the main man on the side for us this afternoon.

County made 2 changes going into the game with Scott Bennett replacing Robbie Willmott and new signing Josh Pask coming into the team for his debut for James Clarke. 

Newport started a little slowly as Harrogate had the early possession but with one of our 1st attacks of the game Dom Telford was bundled over in the box and the referee gave a penalty. Without the normal penalty taker Matty Dolan on the pitch responsibility fell to the Captain Mickey Demetriou who just about managed to get it in even though Harrogate keeper Mark Oxley guessed the right way. 

Courtney Baker-Richardson, who going into the game was on a 4 game goal drought had one great chance as he was slid in by Cooper but the Oxley made himself look as big as he could which denied CBR.

Newport had chance after chance in the 1st half but the keeper Oxley was equal to a lot of it. Nick Townsend justified his selection by making a few wonderful saves when the game was only 1-0. 

Dom Telford who else got county's 2nd after he had a shot which managed to find its way to slide past Oxley who made a bit of a mess of it but Telford will claim it as his to put us 2 goals to the good just before half time. 

Just after the half time break Dom Telford got his 2nd of the afternoon as he got the ball onto his deadly left foot and fired it past Oxley in the Harrogate goal. 

No less than about 6 mins later we had a 4th as CBR finally broken his drought in front of goal. He went around Oxley and lifted the ball over the Harrogate defenders who were on the goal line to make it 4-0. 

We then seen a debut for new signing James Waite who joined the club in the week on an 18 month contract from Penybont. He did quite well when he came on to the pitch and the forwards should have done better with some of the passes he put through for them.

From there the game died out as there wasn't much to shout about. Harrogate enjoyed a spell of possession but they couldn't find an opening. 

I thought Josh Pask was outstanding on his debut and showed that he has played at a higher level. I think he could be a key bit of business done by James Rowberry and sporting director Darren Kelly.

It ended 4-0 to the County and for the 1st time in 10 games we kept a clean sheet which im sure will give the defense a lot of confidence.     

The result moves us up to 5th in the live table before the 3 o' clocker's got underway. An in depth breakdown of the game is coming tomorrow on look back in amber at 3pm on Newport City Radio with me, Stephen and Lamsie. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county

Newport County v Harrogate Town Preview

 Harrogate Town are the latest team to come to a empty Rodney Parade as they entertain Newport County in an important sky bet league 2 fixture. 

Thankfully this will be the last game without fans as the welsh government announced today that fans will be allowed up to 500 tomorrow then there will be no restrictions on the amount of fans allowed into stadiums on the 21st of Jan next Friday so we'll have fans back ahead of a key month we have coming up in February. 

We'll start with the visitors tomorrow and that is Harrogate Town who are currently embarking on their 2nd season in the EFL and so far they have done ok for themselves. Last season they finished 17th in league 2 and so far this season they are 13th, only 5 points behind county in 7th. They have the longest serving manager in the EFL in Simon Weaver who has been in charge since 2009. 

Harrogate are very much like Newport in that they score a lot and they concede a fair few as well. So far this season they have scored 35 goals which is the 6th most in the league and 4 behind County. They have conceded 31 goals this season which the the 17th most and is only 3 less than Newport so expect lots of goals! 

In the reverse of this fixture earlier this season 4 first half goals, 2 for either side left both teams with a point. Before the game previous manager Michael Flynn had said that Harrogate forward Luke Armstrong was a target in the summer window. Armstrong showed us why he was a summer target as he got a goal and an assist. 

Newport County have managed to get 2 deals done this week as we've seen both Josh Pask and James Waite both coming in, Pask on loan and Waite on a permanent. Both players are available for selection but I don't think we will see Waite as he'll be low on fitness and match sharpness as the Cymru Premier has been suspended for about a month now. I think Pask will be on the bench personally. We could see him in the 2nd half but it depends on his sharpness as he hasn't played for a little while for parent side Coventry City.

Newport will hope to have captain Matty Dolan back for selection and if he is then I think he starts and we play with a back 3 which is the best system that we play in my opinion. I also think we should see the return of Joe Day in goal for the port in stead of Nick Townsend. I think we will win the game 2-1. This is my personal opinion let me know what you think in the comments below! Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county 

   

welcome Josh Pask

 This evening it was announced that our 1st signing of the January window is Josh Pask on loan from Coventry City. Josh is a 24 year old center back who can also play at right back or wing back so it looks like we have some cover for James Clarke. 

Josh started his career off at West ham having come through their academy. He started their Europa League 3rd qualifying round 2nd leg game against Astra Giurgiu of Romainia in 2015. He has also featured on the bench in the pemier league for the hammers but didn't make his debut in that league. 

He has been out on loan to Dagenham and Redbridge back in 2015 when they were still in the EFL and he has also been on loan to Gillingham in 2016. He made his move to Coventry in 2019 on a free. In his 1st season at the club he helped them achieve promotion. Lat season in the Championship he made  17 apparences with 6 starts. His only apperance this season for coventry came in the EFL cup when his side got knocked out by Northampton. 

I think this will be a great signing as he offers cover at right center back which is something we havent had all season and is still young enough to develop his game. 

Welcome Josh   

Weekly winter transfer update 1

 We are a little over a week into the January transfer window and already a lot has happened for Newport County. We have seen 3 departures in the past week with another one announced today albeit on loan.

We'll start with the player who left 1st and that was Ed Upson. Last Tuesday it was announced that one of Michael Flynn's final signings Ed Upson had signed for Stevenage. In his Friday press conference manager James Rowberry stated that Upson wanted to be closer to home with him having a young family. That is understandable and makes sense for all parties involved. It was reported that Upson was one of the top earners at Newport so it'll be good to get his wages off the books to hopefully reinvest in other players in this window. Also it's good for Stevenage as they'll be getting an experienced midfielder to help them in their relegation scrap they're evolved in. He rarely featured under Rowberry only featuring 5 times under the new management. 4 times in the league and once in the Papa Johns. 

The next player announced that had left was Jordan Greenidge. I was a little surprised about this one personally because he is a young player who has time to develop. He impressed in pre season when he was on trial which led to him be rewarded with a contract. He did predominantly feature in the development squad but when he did play in the 1st team he looked liked a good player. He scored the opener in the 4-3 defeat by Arsenal in the Papa Johns trophy and on that night he was very lively. I think he wants regular 1st team football and I don't think we can offer him that at Newport County. Again Manager James Rowberry has said Jordan will announce something in his own time. 

The next player that had left was Jermaine Hylton. This came as no surprise if you read one of my previous posts. The news 1st broke live on Look Back In Amber. The latest episode is available now FYI. He last featured in the Papa Johns game against Swindon about 2 months ago. I didn't know where he'd fit in as he is usually a left winger and under both Flynn and Rowberry we don't play with wingers. I'm sure he is a decent player but he is now free to play regular footy where ever he wants. 

The latest player that had been announced to have left is youngster Lewy Twamley. Don't worry he hasn't been sold he has been sent out on loan to non league Salisbury. This for me is a good move for him as he gets regular 1st team football which will be key for his development. I think he can be a key player for us in the near future. His g/a last season was absolutely reticulated and he ended up getting a call up to the Wales u19 squad. He will continue to train with the Newport County squad but will play for Salisbury. 

In terms on In comings it's been a slow week but James Rowberry is hopeful to have 2 new players available for this weekend's home game against Harrogate Town. So hopefully some good news shall be coming this week regarding incomings.             

What do you think will happen in the next week of the transfer window? Let me know down below in the comments and as ever don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county      

  

Newport outclassed by the team owned by the class of 92

 Newport went into this game in a rather strange situation as the game against Salford was played behind closed doors. Newport made only the 2 changes for the game as the returning Mickey Demetriou and Liverpool loanee Jake Cain coming into the side for Matty Dolan and Scot Bennett. The game also seen the return of both Liam Shephard and Tom King

In the first half it started quietly with both teams settling into the game and probably getting used to having no fans which I must say was really weird.    

Newport huffed and puffed for most of the 1st half with Cooper, Telford and Baker-Richardson all seeing shots go wide or over Tom King's goal. 

Former County right wing back Liam Shephard had to go off injured 30 mins into his Rodney Parade return. He didn't really do much down the right hand side for me when he was on the pitch and kept looking to swap positions with Theo Vasssell. The game was being played in front of a documentary filmer for the Salford documentary which usually is on Sky Sports in December each year 

In the 35th minute Nick Townsend kept the scoreline level after a wonderful save denying Matty Lund who looked the standout player for Salford and you could see that he's played at a higher level.

Just before the break County went behind to a deflected goal which eventually went down as a Finn Azaz own goal. That no doubt changed what manager James Rowberry said to his players at half time.

Newport looked to start the 2nd half better than the ended the 1st but not long after the 2nd half started Salford went 2 in front as Brandon Thomas-Asante waved his way through the county defense and slotted home past Nick Townsend who was given his chance in goal for the 2nd consecutive week following regular no.1 Joe Day picking up covid-19.

After Salford's 2nd Rowberry decided it was time for a change as we seen Ryan Haynes come on for Aaron Lewis. Shortly after a goal nearly came as Jake Cain fired just wide of the Salford net. 

Rowberry felt as if more changes were needed as we seen Lewis Collins and Scot Bennett come on for Finn Azaz and Jake Cain. The game died out from there and there wasn't such quality on show from either team. You could see why Salford have such a good record when it comes to goals conceded and clean sheets. I thought they were very solid and very hard to break down at times. 

One of the very few benefits to playing behind closed doors is you can hear the manager and coaching staff on the sidelines. Rowberry was very vocal especially to Lewis Collins at one point in the 2nd half. 

The result leaves county in 7th with the 2 teams below them playing in the Fa cup and Papa Johns trophy respectively. A breakdown of the game is coming tomorrow on look back in amber at 3pm on Newport City Radio with me, Stephen and Lamsie. Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county     

 

Newport County v Salford City preview

Newport County entertain Salford city tomorrow in what will be very strange circumstances. Tomorrows game will be behind closed doors as per the welsh governments rules as they try to tackle omicron variant of covid-19. From the sounds of it tomorrow's game will be the only game behind closed doors which is good news all around. 

County go into the game after a pretty hectic week in the transfer window which has seen Ed Upson move to Stevenage and Jordan Greenidge be released from his contract. Listening to James Rowberry in his pre match press conference that won't be the only outgoings in this window. 

It's felt like an eternity since our last home game which was the come from behind win against Port Vale on the 11th of December. That's mainly due to the covid outbreak not just at the club but in the whole of league 2 but things look like they'll be getting back to normal with the FA cup and 1 game in the papa johns knockout stages causing the postponements this weekend in the league. 

Salford are a pretty unique club in the sense that they are owned by the class of 92. It'll be interesting to see if any of them will be at Rodney Parade. As there is no live premier league game on sky this weekend and Man United don't play until Monday I think we might see Gary Nevile at the Parade tomorrow. The game will also see Tom King and Liam Sheppard return to their former home. King had 2 years here and Sheppard was here for just last season. 

This season Salford lay 16th in league 2 which isn't where they wanna be when you consider how much they spend each season. If you look at their away form this season then they are 22nd only picking up 7 points on their travels this season. They beat us 3-0 earlier in the season at the peninsula stadium which was the end of one of the worst weeks in our recent history as we also lost 8-0 to Southampton. Salford have the 3rd best defensive record this season only conceding 21 goals so far this season. They don't score too many though. They've only scored 24 goals this season which is the 16th most scored in the league. They've also kept 9 clean sheets so far this season. The 4th best in the league so I think it will be a close game.

Newport will be boosted by the return of both keeper Joe Day and Mickey Demetriou who for me both start. Newport will be back to full strength after the Covid outbreak at the club. My only concern is how the players will perform without a crowd but they should be experienced enough to deal without the fans tomorrow at Rodney Parade. 

 I think we will win 2-1 Tomorrow with goals coming from Telford and Azaz. This is my personal opinion let me know what you think in the comments below! Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county               

5 welsh players to look out for in 2022

 With potentially a World Cup to look forward to in the end of the year if we manage to get through the play offs in march there will be a number of players who will be looking to stake a claim in the up coming year and there will be a number of players looking to have a breakthrough year. We are not just absolutely county here we are also absolutely cymru too.

Zac Williams 

Michael 'Zac' Williams is a 17 year old who is impressing week in week out in a struggling crewe side who currently see themselves 23rd and in the relegation zone. Williams has been described as a shining light after his league debut back on the 12th of November against Bolton. He plays as a left sided center back in a back 3 along side fellow Welshman Billy Sass-Davies. Crewe have an impressive recent history of developing young players. Recently we've seen the likes of Perry Ng now at Cardiff, Harry Pickering now at Blackburn and Charlie Kirk now at Charlton all coming through the Crewe system in the past few years. Even if Crewe can't get out of there current situation then m sure a load of premier league teams will be sniffing around the young star.     

Chem Campbell

The 19 year old attacking midfielder looks a real hot prospect. He has already made his debut in the league cup back in 2019 at the age of 16 making him the 2nd youngest player to play Wolves. Born in Birmingham Chem is eligible for Wales, England and Jamaica but he has played for Wales' U17 so hopefully he chooses Cymru for his international career. He has been on the fringes of the 1st team this season. He's been on the bench 5 times this season in the premier league for wolves also he has featured in all 3 of their academy games in the Papa Johns Trophy as wolves got knocked out in the group stage. Hopefully the 3rd round of the Fa cup will see him get some game time as wolves take on Sheffield United if not I'd like to see him go out on loan to get some regular 1st team football.  

Ryan Astley

Ryan is a player who I believe has a huge future in the world of football and I mentioned him as someone who I'd like Newport County sign in this transfer window and if we did then that will be one hell of a signing. Ryan as mentioned in my previous post is a right sided center back for Everton who can also play at right full back. Everton's academy manage David Unsworth describes Astley as the "most consistent, outstanding player, a consummate professional and pleasure to work with". In the 2020-21 season Astley was named Everton's Under-23 Player of the Season. He was named on the bench last season in Everton's victory over Southampton. He has 2 caps for Wales' U21s with another 18 apps coming from both the U17 and U19 teams. He'll be looking to make the next step into first team football and hopefully that' at Newport County  

Harry Jewitt-White

Jewitt-White is probably the most obscure name on this list but he arguably has the biggest future of anyone mentioned in this post. The 17 year old Portsmouth midfielder has had interest from likes of Manchester United recently so you can see the potential he has. In September he made his Wales U18 debut in a friendly against England. He is training with the Pompey 1st team at the age of 17 which is really impressive and as well he has played in 2 of Pompey's Papa Johns trophy games and hopefully he'll make that a 3rd appearance in the competition on Friday as they take on Exeter. He has been on the bench a number of times in the league this season but is yet to make his league debut. Pompey head coach Danny Cowley thought that Jewitt-White’s performance against Crystal Palace U23 in the Papa Johns was that of someone way beyond his years. I think he has a big future and a future Wales international for sure 

Jordan James

For me Jordan James has the biggest future out of everyone on this lift. He is a 17 year old centre midfielder at Birmingham. Very similar to Jude Bellingham who burst on the scene at Birmingham at the age of 17 and who is currently plays for Borussia Dortmund out in Germany. He made his 1st team debut coming on in the 85th minute of a 3-0 win over Bristol City. He made a few appearances off the bench before he made his 1st start on the 27th of November due to suspensions to both Ryan Woods and Gary Gardner. James set up Lukas Jutkiewicz for the winner as Birmingham beat Blackpool 1-0. He was rewarded the very same day as it was announced that he signed his 1st pro contract with the club. Since then he has he hasn't looked back as he's started all 4 games since.  He has only made 1 appearance for wales' youth teams and that was for the U18 back in September but im confident he will be in the U21 squad in the next International break. Blues boss Lee Bowyer has said that "I like what I see with Jordan, he has a lot of potential".

 These are the 5 players I think you should look out for in 2022. Have I missed anyone? Let me know what you in the comments below! Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county  

What we should do in the January tranfer window

 The New year brings many things, New starts maybe a new gym membership to shift those Christmas pounds but to us football fans the new year brings the January Transfer window and our manager James Rowberry has mentioned about the fact that he would like to do some dealings this window I wanted to take a look some players I think we should take a look at signing. It's Important to note that we have 1 loan spot still available. It looks like it could potentially be a difficult month for the club with the news that spectators in wales will be banned due to rising fears over the omicron covid variant so using that loan could be key 

OUT: 

Jermaine Hylton 

When Jermaine Hylton was announced as a Newport County player in the summer I was left confused as to where he'd fit in as he predominantly plays as a winger and we usually play with 2 strikers in the Flynn era. Under Rowberry he has only featured once and that was in the Papa Johns trophy defeat to Swindon back in the start of November. He hasn't featured in the league since our 2-1 defeat away to Barrow on the 24th of September. I think we should look to get something for him maybe even compensation but if a club can't be found then I think we should do the same as Christopher Missilou and part ways via termination of his contract by mutual consent.

Timmy Abraham        

The Brother of England and Roma player Tammy Abraham, Timmy came into the club on loan from Fulham with not the best scoring record where ever he been in his career and that's continued at the port. He has 3 goals so far this season all of those have come in different cups. He scored the winner back in August as we knocked Ipswich Town out of the EFL cup and his other 2 have both come in the Papa Johns trophy as he scored past his old side Plymouth and he got our 2nd in the 4-3 barnstormer against Arsenal's U21. He has made 12 appearances in the league this season with only the 3 starts.  Personally I think we should send him back to Fulham as that would be good for both party's and hopefully he can get regular 1st team football somewhere else. That would then free up another Loan spot which could be key this window.  

Aneurin Livermore (on loan) 

When Aneurin Livermore broke onto the scene in August with a star performance against Plymouth in the Papa Johns Trophy many fans thought he would be involved week in week out but that hasn't been the case he picked up an injury just after he started to make a run in the team and we haven't seen much of him since and with out current midfield trio of Oli Cooper Finn Azaz and Robbie Willmott it's hard to see where he'll fit in to that. For me I'd like to see him go and play in the Cymru Premier on loan for the rest of the season. It didn't do Mo Touray any harm when he went on loan to Barry a few years ago.

I personally don't think Dom Telford will leave the club this month also I don't think we'll lose our arguably Star midfielder in Oli Cooper this month either as I've talked about on look back in amber I believe former exile Scott Twine will end up at the Jacks and sort out there creativity issues. 

IN:

Ryan Astley 

For me we are a little short at the back and with no clean sheets in the past 10 games in all competitions plus we have conceded 32 goals in the league this season, only 5 teams have conceded more in the league this season. For me we need to freshen things up at the back and a name that we should look at is Ryan Astley at Everton. I hear he won't give you up or let you down but in all seriousness he looks like a real good player. He is a 20 year old wales U21 international who has came through Everton's youth system can play on the right in the back 3 or at right full back so he'd fit in our system very well. He has featured in Everton's match day squad last season in a 1-0 win for the Toffees against Southampton. He has also featured in all 3 of Everton's U21 games in the papa johns trophy in which he has an average Sofascore rating of 7.30 #notsponsored which is really impressive.    

Brandon Cooper 

A fans favorite from the 1st part of last season Brandon Cooper might be looking to go out on loan this window. Having recently signed a new contract at Swansea we won't be seeing him leave for a fee but his game time at the swans looks very limited as Joel Latibeaudiere, Ryan Bennett, Ben Cabango and Kyle Naughton look to be regularly in the mix for those 3 center back spots at Swansea. With the World Cup Play offs coming up in march Brandon will be looking to be in and around that Wales squad which he featured in September 2021. I think this is the most optimistic out of the names here I think we should sign but with our great relationship with Swansea and what he did with us last season he could see Newport as the best place for his development.

Louis Barry OR Thomas Dickson-Peters 

I think we should use up our loan spot on one of those 2 strikers as I think we don't have the best striker depth which could be key as we got a really tough fixture pileup after a few of our games was called off due to covid-19. This season if you take out Dom Telford's 16 and Courtney Baker-Richardson's 6 goals our other forwards have a combined 3 goals which in my opinion is really poor so this should be an area to look at in the window. I have named 2 strikers I think we should take a look at I'll start with Barry. His breakthrough moment came last January as a Covid hit Aston Villa side took on Liverpool in the 3rd round of the FA Cup and despite their 4-1 exit from the cup Barry took home a lot of the applause from the game. He is currently on loan at Ipswich in league 1 but from the rumors I've heard Villa are looking to send him to another team due to his lack of game tame at Portman Road. Villa should be Impressed with what we've done with Finn Azaz this season and at the recent open meeting Sporting Director Darren Kelly said that teams that we have players from this season have been so impressed with what we've done with their players they've offered us more players on loan. The other name I mentioned is 19 year old Thomas Dickson-Peters. He is probably a new name to many off you but he has been really impressive so far this season for Norwich's U23 in Premier League 2. He currently has 13 goals and 2 assists in the competition so far and would push the front 2 at the port at the moment for the starting spot up top. He is also a Former Scotland youth international  having played for their U18 and U17 teams. 

It's key to note we will not be seeing the return of Podge in January as James Rowberry stated on Look Back In Amber a few weeks ago .

This is my personal opinion let me know what you think in the comments below! Also don't forget to follow us on twitter @Absoutecounty and on Instagram @absolutely_county