Newport County

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Newport County striker Courtney Baker-Richardson is facing a spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.

The 29-year-old former Swansea City player missed Newport's 2-2 League Two draw at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

Midfielder Aaron Wildig, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, is the only other player missing before the Exiles host Carlisle United on Saturday.

"Before that [Wimbledon] game, I didn't have a chance to say CBR [Baker-Richardson] had picked up an injury," said Newport head coach Nelson Jardim.

"He's got a muscle injury, the soleus [calf muscle]. And obviously there is Aaron Wildig. Only those two are now in the medical department."

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Nelson Jardim says he wants more from his current crop of Newport County players despite revealing the club have a "clear idea" on potential January transfer window activity.

The Exiles brought in striker Geoffroy Bony, son of former Manchester City and Swansea City player Wilfried, last week.

They could further bolster their squad next month, particularly with midfielder Aaron Wildig set to miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

But Jardim says Newport must wait until closer to Christmas to have a clearer idea of whether or not they will need to be active in the winter window.

"I want more from the ones I've got at the moment and they know that," explained Jardim.

"Obviously you're always assessing what's happening, what type of injuries you've got and we've just had a bad one from Wildig. That makes you think in different areas of the pitch.

"We're also starting to assess what we've got at the moment but we still feel it's a little bit early.

"Towards the middle of December, we've got more games and we'll have a better idea of what we need.

"We are planning, we've got a clear idea of what the possibilities are. There's a lot of work in the background that we have to do and keep assessing - sometimes it's a day-by-day thing."

Luca Muzzupappa
BBC Sport Wales

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Head coach Nelson Jardim says there is more to come from youngsters Geoffroy Bony and Joe Thomas following their full League Two debuts for Newport County.

Forward Bony and defender Thomas were each given first league starts in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at AFC Wimbledon.

Thomas arrived at the Exiles from Swansea City in the summer having never played a senior game for the Championship club.

Having made his first Newport appearance in the EFL Trophy at Reading last month, the 22-year-old came off the bench in the goalless draw Notts County last Saturday.

Bony, the son of ex-Swansea and Manchester City striker Wilfried, is another former Swans academy player.

He signed a deal with Newport last month having been released by Swansea in the summer.

Like Thomas, he made his league debut as a substitute at Notts County before being thrown in from the start against the Dons.

"We knew they both had to take time to come up this level," said Jardim.

"They are at a good level but we know there's much more to improve from them."

The Wimbledon draw was a third in succession for 16th-placed Newport.

Thomas and Bony will hope to keep their places when the Exiles return to action on Saturday with a home game against a Carlisle United side who are currently in the relegation zone.

"I think they know that [they need to improve], and they're not only knowing, they want to improve and that is the most important thing," Jardim added.

"I thought they did well because this was a big game for them."

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AFC Wimbledon are aiming to use Newport County as a chance to ease the “sting” of their FA Cup humbling.

The Dons were on the end of an upset in Saturday’s second round as they lost to National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The reward for the Daggers was a London derby with Championship Millwall in the third round, leaving Wimbledon to concentrate on their aims of League Two promotion – starting with the visit of the Exiles on Tuesday.

The Dons are in the fourth-tier play-off places in seventh, five points and nine places above Nelson Jardim’s Newport.

And Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says they are keen to use the game to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat.

"It stings, we wanted to go through," said Jackson.

"But we have to park it really quickly because we have another game and that’s the bigger picture, what we’re doing in the league.

"We wanted to go as far as we could in the cup but we can’t dwell on it because we have another game and in the midst of a tough schedule and we have to win to try and make it easier to forget."

Jackson is dealing with injury problems for the Plough Lane fixture, saying his squad is "stretched really thin" with captain Jack Reeves and striker Myles Hippolyte among those missing.

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Nelson Jardim believes Newport County's improved defensive record can be attributed to his squad's grafting since he arrived at the club in the summer.

The Exiles kept just one clean sheet in their opening 12 League Two matches of the season.

But they head to Wimbledon on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT) having shut out their opponents in four of their previous five league matches - with only Tranmere Rovers scoring a League Two goal against Newport in that period.

And following what was a major overhaul at Rodney Parade over the summer, Jardim feels his side are now starting to benefit from having had more time together on the training ground.

"With all of these changes, there were a lot of things we had to work on," said Jardim.

"But that shows we've improved on that side of the game.

"We know that invincibility lies on the way that you defend. If you defend well you are hard to beat, we're trying to do that.

"That is down to the work that we've been doing and the effort that everyone is putting in."

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Newport boss Nelson Jardim says his side can take confidence from their hard-fought draw against promotion-chasing Notts County when they return to action on Tuesday.

County travel to face Wimbledon who currently occupy one of the League Two play-off spots.

Jardim hopes the goalless draw at Meadow Lane will boost his side as they seek a first victory since the 2-0 win over Gillingham on 22 October.

“Last week was a good point away to a very good side,” he said.

“We knew these run of games would be tough and especially those two games [Notts County and Wimbledon], but I think the performance from the last game gives us good confidence.

“We knew we were conceding too many goals but the last few results have shown we are improving in that side of our game."

Jardim recognises Johnnie Jackson's Wimbledon as “one of the main contenders in the division”.

“They have a strong squad and have a good system in place. They have a clear way of playing and make it hard for any team when you play against them," Jardim said.

"They’re one of the consistent teams in the league of late this season, but also last season too.

“We’re expecting them to be on the front foot, try and create a lot of problems, but it’s down to us to have a clear idea of what to do and how to stop them.”

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Joe Thomas has gone from Cymru South rookie to League Two player via a spell on the books at Swansea City.

In the wake of the "special moment" that was his EFL debut, Thomas says his stint with the Swans has played a central part in his journey to Newport County's first team.

The 22-year-old made his Exiles debut as a 62nd-minute substitute in Saturday's creditable goalless draw at Notts County.

He can now call himself a fully fledged EFL player, which has been the goal ever since he left Cambrian & Clydach Vale – now known as Cambrian United – for Swansea in January 2022.

"I'd only just gone up to the first team with Cambrian in the summer and by Christmas I signed for Swansea," Thomas explained.

"As a club, the way Swansea like to play has benefited me massively. Any team that wants to play like we are trying to play now… I have done that every day at Swansea for two-and-a-half years so that has helped me massively."

Thomas, who can play anywhere on the right flank, but his happiest at wing-back, ed up with Swansea's under-21 side, leaving in the summer without making a senior appearance for the Championship club.

He signed a two-year deal with Newport, though his start to life at Rodney Parade was not helped by an ankle injury.

But after making his first senior appearance in the EFL Trophy defeat at Reading earlier this month, Rhondda-born Thomas was given his big chance by head coach Nelson Jardim at Meadow Lane.

"I started in the cup game a couple of weeks back and I thought I played well," he said.

"I didn’t want to boost my ego or anything like that, but I thought hopefully I will get a chance in the league soon. Now that has come. It was a surreal moment, but I am really happy."

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says he was made to feel old after giving a debut to new g Geoffroy Bony in Saturday's goalless draw at Notts County.

The 19-year-old is the son of former Ivory Coast international Wilfried Bony, who played for Manchester City, Swansea City and Stoke City.

And like his old man, Bony plays up front.

Bony spent several weeks training with the Exiles before g a deal last week.

"He’s been working with us hard, he’s just a nice boy, and Geoff just shows how old I am getting," joked Jardim.

"When I heard our fans singing his dad’s song, it brought me good memories, very good memories indeed."

Asked how Bony Jr compared to his father, Jardim said: "He’s not even half [as good] yet, but it’s about progression and moving forwards.

"His dad was a different player obviously. He’s learned a lot off his dad, he’s got good genes and mainly he’s a very good boy. Wilfried has done a good job."

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Head coach Nelson Jardim says his Newport County side are "growing" and that there is more to come" from them.

County secured a good point away at League Two promotion chasers Notts County with a goalless draw on Saturday.

It was County’s second successive 0-0 draw and Jardim said: "We just have to keep making sure we keep building on this.

"It was another clean sheet and we’ve had a couple of them now.

"We’ve been criticised for not being consistent and compact but you can see these boys are working hard.

"It’s growing together and no matter who comes on they’re ready to perform and understand the ideas and philosophy that we want to play.

"We showed today that we are growing.

"Yes, we’re not at the level I think we should be yet but I can tell you there’s more to come."

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Newport County boss Nelson Jardim is facing a midfield injury crisis – but is determined to stick to the style he is looking to embed at the League Two outfit.

Newport will be without co-captain and t top scorer Aaron Wildig, who is ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

But the Exiles will also again be without flying wide man Bobby Kamwa (hamstring) for Saturday’s tough encounter at Notts County, who are among the League Two play-off places in sixth.

Newport’s injuries do not stop there. Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley is still ruled out after suffering back spasms and fellow midfielder Noah Mawene, on loan from Preston, is a couple more weeks from returning after a hamstring injury.

Also on the Newport casualty list is left wing back Anthony Glennon who has a back complaint which Jardim says has been “tough to get rid of.”

Newport have won just one of their last seven league games. Their one victory in that run – a 2-0 triumph at Gillingham – was one of only two league wins on the road this season

Though Jardim fully respects Notts County, he was encouraged by the overall performance in last Saturday’s goalless home draw with Grimsby Town.

“I ire what we did last game at home, that’s what I was looking for. It’s important to know about the others but even more important to know about yourself," Jardim said.

“Yes Notts County are going to pose a lot of problems to us but we are expecting to pose a lot of problems to them.”

Jardim itted he would have to make changes to for the injuries and predicted a “new set up in of line-up.”

“We go there to compete and develop our idea of how the football should be played. We are not going to change on that way. We will have to utilise other players," Jardim added.

“When you change one or two, everything changes, but the main idea we still have clear in our heads as to the way moving forward.”

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Head coach Nelson Jardim has said Newport County will do all they can to nurse their stricken co-captain Aaron Wildig back to full health.

Jardim was "devastated" after Newport confirmed Wildig will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Wildig, 32, will soon have surgery also knowing his Newport contract expires at the end of this season.

According to Jardim, Wildig was feeling "a little bit down" but the Newport boss said: "Now it's up to us to help him.

"It's not good at his age to have that injury. He was sad and it's up to us to make him feel comfortable and positive moving forward."

Jardim said the contract situation would obviously play on the thoughts of the former Cardiff City player as he contemplates the long road back to recovery.

"I am sure those things go through his mind. But again it's down to us now to make him feel comfortable and positive looking forward and getting him back as fit as possible.

"He also has at least three years at a good level of football, we just have to make sure when he comes back he comes back fit."

Jardim added: "We are known for being a club like that. We try to look after our players, that is the maximum I can say.

"From my end, from my perspective I will do my best to make sure he feels part of it. Even though Aaron knows he's going to have surgery now, I am sure we will see him as soon as possible in the dressing room, watching the games and he will be part of everything."

Jardim's immediate concern will be filling the gaping hole left by the loss of his most experienced player and a midfielder who is currently t top scorer with four goals.

Newport, currently 15th in League Two, face a difficult task away to sixth placed Notts County on Saturday.

Though Wildig's loss is the latest injury woe for Jardim, he cites the absence of his skipper as an opportunity for someone else.

"I feel like we have other young boys who can step up and are capable of doing a good job for us and obviously this will be their time to show their value."

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Former Newport County manager Graham Coughlan is back in work five months after leaving Rodney Parade.

Coughlan, 50, has taken over as manager of National League Boston.

The Northern Irishman left Newport in June with County chairman Huw Jenkins saying the club wanted to move in a "different direction". Jenkins then appointed Nelson Jardim as head coach.

Coughlan replaced James Rowberry at County in October 2022, ensuring the club avoided a relegation battle after a difficult opening to the season.

An impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign included an FA Cup run and a money-spinning fourth-round tie with eventual winners Manchester United.

However, a slump in form at the end of the season saw them lose eight successive games and Coughlan left after 20 months in charge with Newport having finished 18th in League Two.

The former Bristol Rovers boss succeeds Ian Culverhouse at Boston, with the Pilgrims - who were promoted last season - second bottom in the National League.

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Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim says his side have to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Saturday's stalemate at home to Grimsby Town - in which Kyle Hudlin had a 59th-minute penalty saved - means the Exiles have found the back of the net once in three League Two games.

"You have to focus on the overall performance of the team, I thought we were good, the better team, better team in of everything basically," Jardim said after the match.

"But the main one is to create goal-scoring chances, where again we didn't score and a second game at home that we missed a penalty as well."

While the lack of goals remains a concern, a clean sheet and a point after successive league defeats was a positive, especially given Newport's injury problems this campaign.

"I don’t think I had a chance to settle things in of the back four," Jardim added.

"I’ve been always forced to change things around with the Shane [McLoughlin] injury and then Matt Baker was a couple of games out because he was playing for Wales and then Clarkey [James Clarke] was injured, and then [Kyle] Jameson got sent off.

"So I’ve been forced to play, I’m looking to make sure we’ve got a consistent manner of play, and obviously playing that back four that we feel is the best one week in week out will help us to be consistent.

"But again positives was, we were okay because we managed to have more of the ball as well and I think it’s also positive the point.

"One third of the league games are gone now, I’ve got 20 points. I would say now, there are still 30-odd games to go, how quick can you get another 10 wins, and we will focus on that."

Newport sit 15th in the table and face a tricky trip on Saturday to sixth-placed Notts County (12:30 GMT kick-off).

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Newport County will know what to expect when away-day specialists Grimsby Town arrive at Rodney Parade.

Dave Artell's side have collected five wins from their last five games on the road in League Two.

And only table-topping Port Vale have a better travelling record in the fourth-tier than the Mariners.

It's helped them into the play-off positions as they head to south Wales five points better off than their hosts.

But Newport boss Nelson Jardim says the difference is a result of small margins – and is hoping home advantage can count for County.

"Grimsby are a very organised team, they are compact and doing well," he said. "In of goals scored and conceded they are very similar to us."

Both have scored 19 and Newport have shipped just one more at the other end, and Jardim added: "That they are five points above us shows the small margins in this league.

"We expect a tough game but we have shown we can be good at home. They have a lot of their points away and our home form is better than our away form, but every game has its own story.

"We know home games are massive for us and the we have is a big factor. We expect a tough game but we are ready for it."

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Nelson Jardim has urged Newport County to stay confident after a poor run but says defeats can hurt even the very best teams.

Newport have just one win in their last eight outings in all competitions, a run that has included six defeats.

And they have picked up only four points from the last 18 on offer in League Two as they prepare to welcome away-day specialists Grimsby Town to Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Exiles boss Jardim accepts that confidence may be a factor for a young squad also hit by injuries.

"Confidence is a huge part of football," said Jardim, whose side go into the game 15th in the table on 19 points, five shy of visitors who occupy the final play-off position.

"Even big teams can lose their way. Look at Manchester City who have still got good players, the best manager in the world, have their way of playing, but the results aren’t coming - and part of that is confidence, because they're not playing badly.

"My task is to make sure we keep our confidence. The players know what we want and need to do, we just have to get everyone thinking the same way which can be the hardest thing to do."

Jardim pointed to recent games where Newport started brightly but buckled, including in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

"It's a factor and we can see that, the way we start games well and then like at Tranmere we lost our way a little towards the end of the first half," he said.

"We went 2-0 up against Peterborough [in the FA Cup] and against Reading [in the EFL Trophy] we were OK for the first half hour but we lose our way.

"It is the experience of keeping that confidence and trusting the way we should play every ball. Sometimes events don't go our way in a game and there is a feeling that goes around the team that we're not in control. But in reality we just have to keep doing what we were doing."