Newport County have climbed to 12th place in League Two, propelled by a seven-match unbeaten streak under the management of Hayden Mullins. The Exiles sit just two points shy of the play-off places, a stark contrast to their struggles this time last season when they were languishing near the relegation zone.
Mullins took charge less than two weeks before the start of the season after Christian Fuchs’ unexpected departure. Instead of easing in, the former Fulham under-21s coach quickly stamped his authority on the squad, transforming a team that barely secured one league win by this point last year into one of League Two’s form sides.
Last season, Newport County were four points adrift of safety when Dave Hughes left his role as manager. A nerve-racking fight to avoid relegation stretched until the final day. This season, that uncertainty has been replaced by belief. Mullins pointed to the players’ growing confidence: “The belief comes from the boys knowing that we are a good team. You speak to most managers, and they would explain how difficult it is to play against us. We're not far away at all.”
Experience has been a significant factor in the team’s resurgence. Newport’s opening-day starting XI against Rochdale had over 300 more EFL appearances combined than the side from last season. Senior players such as Kyle Cameron, Cameron Norman, Christian Doidge, and Harrison Biggins bring over 800 league appearances collectively. The squad’s average age has risen to over 26, providing a stronger spine compared to last season’s younger and less experienced roster.
Mullins said the recruitment was necessary to build “a really good core group” to support the younger players. “Those boys have been pivotal,” he added. The club has also supplemented its ranks with loan signings Matt Dibley-Dias and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, along with Shaquille Gwengwe from non-league, adding depth and competition for places. Biggins acknowledged the pressure this creates: “Good players are missing out, and you know full well that if you don't perform, someone else is going to come in and do it.”
Defensive improvements underpin Newport’s recent success. They have kept four clean sheets in 10 league games this season, matching the total they only reached in their 23rd match last year. Newport conceded 77 goals last season, one of the highest totals in League Two, but this campaign their goals-against average has dropped from 1.6 to 1.2 per game. Only four goals have been conceded at their home ground, Rodney Parade, where they have won three and drawn two of five matches.
Last season, Newport frequently lost points from winning positions, but since a dramatic loss to Salford City in September, they have managed to close out victories against Grimsby Town and Colchester United and earned a draw at Gillingham. The defensive solidity has helped the Exiles become harder to beat as the campaign progresses.
Newport have also rediscovered their home form. After a poor record at Rodney Parade last season, where their first home win came as late as New Year’s Day, they have become a tougher proposition on their own turf this year. Harrison Biggins noted the impact of the home crowd’s atmosphere: “Teams come there, and nobody gets anything easy.”
Away from home, Newport’s results are less consistent, with no wins recorded yet this season and the highest number of away losses of any EFL team in the calendar year. Mullins has adopted a pragmatic approach, accepting that sustaining a promotion push requires a large squad and individual quality. “If you do want to get out of the league by playing football, you have to have a really big squad and some really good individuals,” he said.
Newport prepare to host fifth-placed York City on Saturday, 17 October (15:00 BST), aiming to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap on the play-offs. Mullins’ arrival and the squad’s blend of experience and youthful energy have altered the mood at Rodney Parade, with belief replacing the fears of last season.
According to Yahoo Sports.