Football Season Guide

Newport County begin a new era as they head into the new season under new owner Huw Jenkins. He completed his takeover from the Newport County Supporters Trust at the end of last season and has a track record of success whilst chairman of Swansea City. One of his first and biggest decisions was sack manager Graham Coughlan, despite having guided the side to safety in the previous two seasons. Coughlan never seemed comfortable during his almost 20 months in the role, regularly complaining about the lacking of financial resources, and criticising his players in public. It feels like this was a decision that suited both parties. Jenkins returned to his former club to appoint Nelson Jardim as head coach. In the meantime several new signings have been announced, most of them young and untested players. Goalkeeper Jacob Carney has pedigree having come through the Manchester United academy, whilst local knowledge has been used to bring in defenders Cameron Evans and Joe Thomas and midfielders Cameron Antwi and Kai Whitmore. Centre-back Matt Baker’s loan move from Stoke City has been made permanent whilst there was a surprise return for striker Courtney Baker-Richardson following two seasons at Crewe Alexandra. The loss of versatile midfielder Scot Bennett after eight years at the club came as a surprise but it is the loanees that will be missed the most, especially wing-backs Adam Lewis and Lewis Payne. Jardim will rely on the experience of the fit-again Shane McLoughlin and midfielders Aaron Wildig and Bryn Morris. He needs to add more experience to supplement and guide the young players in the squad but his biggest challenge will be keeping hold of last season’s leading goalscorer Will Evans, who is attracted serious interest from Championship clubs.