Newport County AFC
Founded in 1912, this Welsh association football club competes in EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football.
Club History 📜 Current Squad 👥Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
A Storied Past: The Club's Evolution
Founding and Early League Years
Established in 1912, Newport County AFC began its journey in the Southern League. The club achieved a significant milestone by becoming a founder member of the Football League Third Division in 1920. Despite a brief period out of the league following the 1930-31 season, they were re-elected and went on to secure the Third Division South championship in 1938-39.
Post-War Challenges and Relegations
The post-World War II era saw Newport County compete in the Second Division for the 1946-47 season, but a challenging campaign resulted in relegation. The subsequent decades were marked by struggles, including a lengthy spell in the Fourth Division from 1962 onwards, punctuated by periods of financial difficulty and further relegations.
The Ashurst Era and European Aspirations
The late 1970s and early 1980s represented a golden period under manager Len Ashurst. The club achieved promotion from the Fourth Division in 1979-80 and lifted the Welsh Cup for the first time. This success granted them entry into the European Cup Winners' Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, a notable achievement in the club's history.
Financial Crisis and Reformation
The 1980s concluded with severe financial difficulties, leading to relegation from the Football League in 1988 and eventual bankruptcy in February 1989. The club was reformed by supporters, adopting the nickname "The Exiles" due to initial ground-sharing arrangements far from Newport. This period was characterized by resilience and a determination to regain their former status.
Return to Prominence and League Football
The reformed club steadily climbed the non-league pyramid. After spells at various grounds, including an enforced exile, they secured promotion to the Conference South in 2004. A championship win in 2009-10 led to promotion to the Conference Premier. The pivotal moment came in 2013 when, after moving to Rodney Parade, they won the Conference National play-off final, marking a triumphant return to the Football League after a 25-year absence.
Modern Era: FA Cup Runs and Resilience
Since their return to the Football League, Newport County AFC has experienced notable FA Cup campaigns, including memorable ties against Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. The club has also navigated play-off campaigns and ownership changes, demonstrating consistent resilience and a strong connection with its fanbase.
Home Turf: Rodney Parade
The Stadium's Significance
Rodney Parade serves as the current home ground for Newport County AFC. This multi-purpose stadium, primarily known for rugby union, also hosts the club's football matches. With a capacity of 7,850, it has been the backdrop for many of the club's significant modern-day achievements, including their return to the Football League and notable cup runs.
Location and Coordinates
Situated in Newport, South Wales, Rodney Parade is centrally located within the city. Its precise geographical coordinates are 51.588332°N 2.988207°W, placing it within easy reach for local supporters and visitors alike.
Club Governance: Ownership Structure
Stakeholder Distribution
The ownership of Newport County AFC is structured among several key stakeholders. As of recent information, Huw Jenkins holds a majority shareholding of 52%. The Newport County AFC Supporters Trust maintains a significant stake of 27%, reflecting the club's community-focused ethos. The remaining 21% is held by other investors, contributing to the club's financial framework.
The Supporters Trust's Role
Established with guidance from Supporters Direct, the Newport County AFC Supporters Society Limited operates as a trust. This structure ensures a degree of fan representation and involvement in the club's governance, with an elected board and regular AGMs, reinforcing the club's connection to its fanbase.
Behind the Scenes: Coaching Staff
Key Personnel
The operational leadership of Newport County AFC is entrusted to a dedicated team of professionals. As of May 2025, the managerial role is held by David Hughes, supported by Wayne Hatswell as Assistant Manager. The coaching structure also includes specialized roles such as Lee Kendall as Goalkeeping Coach, ensuring comprehensive development across the squad.
Academy and Performance Leadership
The club places significant emphasis on youth development and performance analysis. Key figures include Scott Wickens, Head of Performance, and Conor McGaharan, First-Team Lead Performance Analyst. The Academy structure is overseen by Luke Hussey as Academy Manager, supported by Ben Gast as Head of Academy Coaching, fostering the next generation of talent.
The Current XI: Player Roster
First Team Squad
The current Newport County AFC first-team squad, as of August 2025, comprises a blend of established players and emerging talent. The roster includes goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, representing various national affiliations, reflecting the diverse talent pool within professional football.
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK |  NZL |
Nik Tzanev |
| 2 | DF |  WAL |
Cameron Evans |
| 3 | DF |  ENG |
Anthony Glennon |
| 4 | DF | WAL |
Matt Baker |
| 5 | DF | ENG |
James Clarke (captain) |
| 6 | DF |  IRL |
Ciarán Brennan |
| 7 | FW |  CMR |
Bobby Kamwa |
| 8 | MF | WAL |
Matthew Smith |
| 9 | FW | ENG |
Courtney Baker-Richardson |
| 11 | MF | ENG |
Cameron Antwi |
| 12 | DF | WAL |
Joe Thomas |
| 14 | MF | WAL |
Kai Whitmore |
| 15 | DF | WAL |
Lee Jenkins |
| 17 | DF | WAL |
Tom Davies |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | DF | WAL |
Liam Shephard |
| 19 | FW | ENG |
Ged Garner |
| 20 | MF | WAL |
Ben Lloyd (on loan from Swansea City) |
| 21 | FW | ENG |
Michael Spellman |
| 22 | DF | ENG |
Habeeb Ogunneye (on loan from Manchester United) |
| 23 | FW | ENG |
Michael Reindorf (on loan from Cardiff City) |
| 27 | FW | ENG |
Moses Alexander-Walker |
| 28 | GK | ENG |
Jordan Wright |
| 29 | MF | WAL |
Keenan Patten |
| 30 | MF | WAL |
Corey Evans |
| 32 | DF | ENG |
Jaden Warner |
| 34 | MF | WAL |
Jac Norris |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | MF | ENG |
Amani Babah |
| 35 | GK | WAL |
Bailey Hopkins |
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | DF |  POR |
Nelson Sanca (on loan to Llanelli Town) |
| 38 | MF | WAL |
Riley Lonergan (on loan to Cardiff Metropolitan University) |
| — | MF | WAL |
Morgan Evans (on loan to Llanelli Town) |
Club Accolades: Honours
League Achievements
Newport County AFC has secured multiple league titles throughout its history, reflecting periods of sustained success. Notable achievements include winning the Third Division South in 1938–39, the Conference South in 2009–10, and the Southern League Midland Division in 1994–95. They also claimed the Hellenic League title in 1989–90.
Cup Competitions
In cup competitions, the club has tasted victory in the Welsh Cup in 1979–80 and the FAW Premier Cup in 2007–08. They have also reached cup finals, notably being runners-up in the FA Trophy in 2011–12. Their journey to the FA Cup fourth round has been a recurring highlight in recent seasons.
Play-off Success
A significant achievement in the club's modern history was winning the Conference Premier play-off final in 2013, which secured their return to the Football League after a 25-year absence. This victory at Wembley Stadium marked a resurgence for the club.
On-Field Antagonisms: Key Rivalries
Welsh and Regional Derbies
Newport County AFC's primary rival is historically considered to be Cardiff City, though league proximity has been limited in recent decades. Other significant Welsh rivals include Swansea City and Wrexham. Regionally, matches against English clubs such as Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, and Forest Green Rovers often generate considerable local interest and competitive intensity.
Club Identity: Kit Manufacturers and Sponsors
Evolution of Kit Suppliers and Sponsors
The club's kits have been supplied by a variety of manufacturers over the years, including Adidas, Bukta, Patrick, Umbro, Macron, and Hummel. Shirt sponsorship has also evolved, featuring entities such as South Wales Argus, Pirelli Cables, Acorn Recruitment, and more recently, the Alzheimer's Society and Pure Vans. This section details the historical progression of these partnerships.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Newport County A.f.c." Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- https://x.com/YrAlltudion
- Newport 18th in League Two
- Jardim Newport Head Coach
- Newport 22nd in League Two
- Hughes appointed Newport manager
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Important Considerations: Disclaimer
AI-Generated Content and Professional Advice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content may not be entirely up-to-date or exhaustive.
This is not professional sports management or financial advice. The information provided herein should not substitute consultation with qualified football club administrators, financial advisors, or legal professionals. Always seek expert advice tailored to specific circumstances.
The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.