Fulham youngster joins Exiles on loan deal
Aug 25 – Newport County has reportedly secured a loan deal for Fulham’s young central midfielder, Matt Dibley-Dias, according to Football Lowdown. The 22 year old New Zealander joins as Hadyn Mullins looks to strengthen his squad in the final week of the summer transfer window. Mullins was a former Fulham under 21s manager.
Exiles lose out in epic match at Bristol
Aug 22 – Newport County conceded five, but scored three in an epic match against Bristol Rovers. Both sides played with attacking intent from the outset and on balance the Gas deserved their win in a thoroughly entertaining encounter in front of 10,349 spectators at the Memorial Stadium.
The Exiles were on the scoresheet after fifteen seconds when Harrison Biggins slotted home a headed assist from Christian Doidge. Biggins nearly made it two when he chipped Rovers keeper Young from forty metres only to see his shot rebound off the foot of the post.
Rovers hit back strongly but the Exiles seemed to repel every set piece including multiple long throws. But they had a stroke of luck just before half time when chaotic County defending saw Purrington head in amongst the melee.
The Gas stepped up early in the second half. The influential Fabrizio Cavegn put them ahead after a Tom Jones assist. An unfortunate Leigh Jenkins own goal extended their advantage on the hour.
The Exiles hit back three minutes later this time it was Gwengwe slotting home after another Doidge headed assist.
Rovers pushed ahead again and a superb shot after a cut in from the right by former Exile Bobby Kamwa put them 4-2 up on 74 minutes. Kamwa did himself no favours by running the length of the field to celebrate his goal in front of the away fans.
County did not fold and came back again with a goal made by two substitutes. A superb ball from Alfie Merritt was guided in brilliantly by Cole Jarvis with six minutes to play. At this point Rovers were rocking and County piled forward including keeper Jordan Wright. But Rovers held out and with Wright at the wrong end of the pitch broke away to score through Cavegn.
Away end at Rovers sold out
Aug 21 – Newport County supporters have sold out the club’s away allocation for Saturday’s Severnside Derby against Bristol Rovers at The Memorial Stadium.
The Amber Army will be out in force for County’s first away fixture of the 2026-27 Sky Bet League Two campaign, with all 1,359 tickets from Newport County’s full allocation now sold.
The Severnside Derby takes place on Saturday, August 22, with kick-off at 12.30pm. The match will also be shown live on Sky Sports+.
Signing – Newport County have signed goalkeeper Jake Turner, following his departure from Gillingham. The 27 year old made 50 appearances for the Gills.
Positive start for the Exiles
Aug 15 – Yahya Bamba sealed a very good Newport County opening day performance as they beat Rochdale 3-0 at Rodney Parade this afternoon. He smacked home a fine goal on 90 minutes after Rochdale failed to clear a long throw.
Two first half goals gave Newport County the advantage. Kyle Cameron slotted home on 18 minutes after a header from Bamba. Twenty minutes later Shaquille Gwengwe turned in a cross from the influential man of the match Harrison Biggins. Rochdale had much of the possession but created little. Their discipline was poor with Bryant Bilongo sent off after 66 minutes, a second yellow card for a foul on Cameron Evans. County sat deep in the second half, aiming to counter attack but largely failed to fire, seeking to defend their lead. The big crowd was heartened by their industry and hard work on their way to a fine victory.
This is just a start (County had four points from two games last season) but it seems there is plenty of potential in this side.
Attendance – 4872
County face difficult opener
Aug 14 – Newport County face a difficult opener against Rochdale at Rodney Parade. Rochdale mark their return to the Football League after three seasons away. Although not tipped to challenge for promotion they are expected to aim for mid table safety. The Exiles, on the other hand, are firmly predicted to be in the relegation zone once again. Head to head, Newport County have lost seven of their last nine Football League games against Rochdale, failing to score on seven separate occasions.
Dale’s managerial changes mean Jimmy McNulty has been replaced by Ian Watson. They suffered a blow with the loss of midfielder Will Jenkins for a lengthy period through injury in their friendly defeat to Halifax Town. They have though made a number of lates signings including Derby County forward Dajaune Brown and Wigan midfielder Babajide Adeeko.
Hadyn Mullins, County manager, is expecting a tough opening test against Rochdale, who are coming off the back of promotion.
“I don’t think any game in this division is an easy game. Rochdale are still riding a bit of a buzz from promotion and they’ve got a new manager as well.
“It’ll be a tough game, it’ll be a good occasion and hopefully a good atmosphere.”
But predictions mean nothing and the Exiles will be heartened by their display at Wimbledon and expect at least a point from tomorrow’s opener (kick off 12.30pm)
Sky select County fixture
Aug 13 – Newport County’s first away fixture of the 2026-27 Sky Bet League Two season against Bristol Rovers has been selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports+.
The Severnside derby will take place on Saturday, August 22, with kick-off remaining at 12.30pm at the Memorial Stadium.
County rue their luck at Wimbledon
Aug 10 – Newport County continued with their luck from last season as they went down on penalties to Wimbledon at Plough Lane. The Exiles had a number of opportunities to go ahead. Lee Jenkins was denied by the Dons keeper Bishop before the latter saved from Shaquille Gwengwe’s driven penalty. Yahya Bamba scored the goal the Exiles’ efforts deserved as he curled in a fine shot. But the Dons hit back at the death with sub Callum Maycock smashing home the equaliser. The penalty shoot out finished 5-4 with Matt Smith denied by Bushop to give Wimbledon a route through to the second round of the League Cup.
County sign Triallist A!
Aug 7 – Newport County has confirmed the loan signing of defender Alfie Merritt from Bournemouth.
The 18-year-old left-back joins Rodney Parade for the 2026-27 season after impressing during a recent trial period with the club, which included a starting appearance as Triallist A in Tuesday’s memorable pre-season friendly against AS Roma.
Merritt arrives with first-team experience already under his belt after spending the second half of last season on loan with AFC Totton.
During his time with the National League South side, the defender made 13 appearances and scored once, gaining valuable senior football experience.
The Exiles face Wimbledon tomorrow at Plough Lane in the first round of the League Cup. Kick off 3pm.
Roma show their quality
Aug 4 – A bumper Rodney Parade crowd saw glimpses of real quality from AS Roma as they beat Newport County 4-1. The Exiles started strongly with a good chance for Harrison Biggins but it was Roma who went in front as Mario Hermoso slotted the ball home on 37 minutes.
Castro added their second from the penalty spot (54 minutes) following a foul on Hermoso. Koulierakis added the third on 59 minutes and Soule the fourth on 81 minutes.
Kyle Cameron headed in Biggins’ cross for Newport on 85 minutes to give the 7500 crowd some consolation at the end.
Welcome Roma!
Aug 4 – Newport County play a historic and glamorous friendly against Serie A side AS Roma at Rodney Parade tonight (kick off 7.45pm).
The visit of AS Roma promises to be a memorable occasion for supporters, with the Italian giants expected to bring a host of international talent to Rodney Parade. Fans could see players including Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli in action as Newport County takes on one of European football’s biggest names.
A commemorative jersey designed for the occasion and linking to Newport’s Roman past has sold out. A crowd of over 6000 is expected.
Associazione Sportiva Roma finished third in Serie A and will compete in this year’s Champions League. They lost 4-1 to Cardiff City on Saturday, a performance heavily criticised by the Italian media, in which they also lost talented 19 year old midfielder Mohammed Bah to a long term injury.
Exiles win at Yeovil
Aug 2 – Newport County won their first game under Hayden Mullins winning at Yeovil Town by 2 goals to 1. Yeovil opened matters through Luke McCormick but the Exiles struck back through Shaquille Gwengwe. Lee Jenkins scored five minutes after the restart.
County confirm new manager
July 31 – Newport County has confirmed the appointment of Hayden Mullins as the club’s new manager. Mullins arrives at Rodney Parade with a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career, having represented clubs including Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Portsmouth before moving into management.
The former midfielder made over 500 senior appearances during a distinguished playing career, featuring in the Premier League and EFL, while also earning international honours with England at under-21 level. He was most recently head coach of a successful Fulham under-21s side.
County humbled by Reading
July 29 – Newport County were humbled by Reading at Rodney Parade yesterday evening going down by four goals to nil. Goals from Jacob Brown, Josh Stokes and Jerae Jones (2) saw Reading home in front of a small crowd (1,718 including 307 Royals supporters).
Draw at Bath
July 26 – Following an encouraging scoreless draw behind closed doors at Bristol City the Exiles shared the spoils with Bath City 2-2 at Twerton Park. Harrison Harpin netted his first goal for County. Next up they face Reading at Rodney Parade on Tuesday evening.
Friendly added / manager linked
July 15 – County have added a friendly to their schedule with a trip to Bath City confirmed for Saturday, July 25. The match will take place at Twerton Park, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Scott Lindsey is reportedly in discussions with the Exiles over becoming the club’s new manager.
The 52-year-old has been out of work since his departure from League Two rivals Crawley Town following a previous spell in charge of MK Dons.
Update July 16 – Another friendly added, behind closed doors against Bristol City, on Tuesday July 21 at 12 noon.
Defeat at Gloucester
July 12 – The Exiles were defeated 2-1 at National League South Gloucester City yesterday afternoon. Lee Jenkins got Newport’s only goal. County even had a triallist sent off.
Exiles win Newport derby
July 8 – Newport County beat Robbie Wilmott’s Newport City by five goals to nil at Spytty last night. Over a thousand spectators saw Yahya Bamba slot home Keiran Evans pass after three minutes. Cole Jarvis made it two just before half time. The second half belonged to Shaquille Gwengwe who completed an impressive hat-trick.
The Exiles have confirmed they will play Yeovil Town away in a friendly on August 1. Kick off 3pm.
County confirm Roma friendly!
July 6 –Newport County has confirmed that Italian giants AS Roma will visit Rodney Parade for a prestigious pre-season fixture on Tuesday, August 4. The match will kick-off at 7pm and promises to be one of the biggest occasions in the club’s recent history, with a large crowd expected for the visit of one of European football’s most famous clubs.
Tickets for the match will be available in phases, with 2026-27 season ticket holders receiving priority access. Adult tickets will be £15 flat rate.will have the chance to meet players past and present
County open with win
July 4 – Newport County opened their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory at Bristol Manor Farm. The Newport team was split over three thirty minute periods. They were held at half time before Lewis Jamieson scored a brace and Matt Smith added a fine strike to give them victory.
There was a healthy turnout at the game from the Amber Army.
Cameron signs up
June 29 – Newport County has confirmed the signing of defender Kyle Cameron.The centre-back joins Rodney Parade ahead of the 2026-27 season, adding leadership and defensive quality to the squad.
Cameron arrives with extensive experience across the EFL and National League, having played key roles in promotion-chasing sides and high-pressure campaigns throughout his career, including recently winning the League Two title with Bromley.The defender also previously spent a brief loan spell at Newport County in 2016 during his early career.
Update June 30 – Newport County have agreed a short term contract with midfielder Keenan Patten.
Update July 1 – Newport County’s squad building continued today with 24 year old midfielder Kieran Evans returning to the Exiles.
The ex-Wales under-20 international made 38 apperances for County and scored three goals before joining Eastleigh in June 2025.
Fuchs steps down in shock move
June 27 – In an unexpected move Christian Fuchs has stepped down as Newport County boss. Following a week of activity on the transfer market and with a week to go until the first friendly match it seemed like Fuchs position at the club was settled, although in hindsight he did not comment on any of the signings.
The club statement is as follows “Newport County can confirm that Christian Fuchs has made the decision to step away from his role as manager. Everyone at Newport County would like to thank Christian for his hard work, commitment and professionalism, and wish him every success for the future.”
A number of sites state Kevin Nolan, former Bolton and West Ham player and most recently Northampton Town manager, is linked with the job. He was sacked by the Cobblers in March following a run of poor results.
update June 28 – Newport County has confirmed that assistant first team coach Chris Todd has been appointed interim manager with immediate effect. They state “Everyone at the Club is fully behind Chris, Mark Smith and the squad while a thorough recruitment process for a permanent manager is undertaken.”
County sign defender
June 27 – Newport County AFC have signed 22 year old defender Dan Sassi after he was released by Blackpool. The centre back was loaned out to National League Altrincham last season where he played 42 games.
County’s 2026/27 EFL fixtures
Exiles to face Roma in friendly! / Doidge signs
June 23 – Newport County are finalising plans for a friendly with Italian Serie A giants AS Roma on August 4 at Rodney Parade. The money spinning friendly would form part of Roma’s pre season preparations in South Wales. They are spending a week in a training camp at the Vale Resort and also hope to play Cardiff City.
update – Newport County has confirmed the signing of striker Christian Doidge. The Newport-born forward arrives at Rodney Parade with a wealth of experience and a proven goalscoring record across the EFL, Scottish Premiership and National League. He is 33 and was released by Forest Green Rovers as a free agent in May. In addition, they have re-signed full back Cameron Norman. Norman originally joined Newport County in 2021 and quickly became an important figure in the squad, he left after two excellent seasons with the Exiles to join Tranmere. They have also signed Yahya Bamba, 27, a forward from Forest Green Rovers.
Wales Online has also reported that there is a potential take over plan for the club in negotiation. They state entrepreneur Nick Beddis, founder of AGS Capital, is understood to be on the verge of buying out the 52 per cent shareholding currently owned by Huw Jenkins, who took control of the club in January 2024. Beddis is a former Newport County academy player.
Beddis from Pontypool was imprisoned for six years in September 2013 for his part in a “sustained…gang attack” at a house party at Brynwern in the town. AGS Capital has been listed on Companies House since December 2025.
County sign prolific non-league striker
June 18 – Newport County has confirmed the signing of striker Shaquille Gwengwe, having beaten off strong competition to secure the signature of the 47-goal forward.
Gwengwe arrives at Rodney Parade following a remarkable 2025-26 campaign with Poole Town, where he scored 47 goals in all competitions and collected both the Southern League Golden Boot and National Game Awards Golden Boot.
His goalscoring exploits attracted widespread interest from clubs across the football pyramid, with Newport County ultimately winning the race for one of non-league football’s most sought-after forwards. The striker now makes the step up to the EFL after establishing himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the country outside the Football League.
Biggins signs new deal
June 15 – Newport County has confirmed the signing of Harrison Biggins on a new permanent deal. Biggins returns to Rodney Parade after a successful loan spell during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, where he played a key role in helping Newport County secure League Two survival. The 30-year-old made 21 appearances in amber after arriving in January, scoring three goals as he quickly became an influential figure in midfield and a popular figure among supporters.
Having previously represented Fleetwood Town, Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town, Biggins brings a wealth of EFL experience to the County squad ahead of the new season.
Update – Defenders Ciaran Brennan and Cameron Evans have also signed deals for the upcoming season but midfielder Michael Spellman has turned down a new offer. Bobby Kamwa has signed for Bristol Rovers.
Friendlies confirmed
June 14 – The following fixtures have been confirmed for pre-season
Saturday, July 4 | 3pm
Bristol Manor Farm (A)
Wednesday, July 8 | 7.30pm
Newport City (A)
Saturday, July 11 | 3pm
Gloucester City (A)
Tuesday, July 28 | 7.30pm
Reading (H)
Kamwa exits
June 10 – Newport County has released this statement today “Following discussions over a new deal, Bobby Kamwa has chosen to pursue opportunities elsewhere, bringing his time at Newport County to an end.” The mercurial left winger played a vital role in the Exiles’ fight against relegation.
June 11 update – Defender Matt Baker has confirmed he will also be leaving the club after the 23 year old was offered improved terms by Newport County. He made 144 appearances for the Exiles.
2,000 County season tickets sold
June 7 – Newport County AFC has confirmed that the number of season tickets sold for 2026/27 has surpassed 2,000. They have also confirmed their kit sponsorship deal with VX3 will continue for another season. There is no news on signings as yet, last year this news started to come through in mid-June, the summer transfer window opens on June 15. EFL fixtures are set for release on June 25th at 12 noon. The Carabao Cup round one draw will also take place on fixture release day, with full details to be confirmed.
The opening weekend in the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two is set for August 14-16. But the season will officially start with the Carabao Cup, as round one of the competition takes place on August 7-9.