Newport County forward Christian Doidge says he has rediscovered his hunger since returning to his hometown club this summer.
The 34-year-old returned to Newport County following a difficult campaign last season and has started every game he has been available for this season.
Doidge says the opportunity to return to where he grew up has given him a fresh motivation, with the forward enjoying his football once again.
“It’s been everything I’ve wanted. You know, at a tough year last season and to come back to being around where I grew up and, you know, the boys welcomed me and I’m really enjoying it.
“I’ve got that fire back in my belly that I probably lost a little bit towards the end of last season and that’s down to probably not playing as much as I like and just couldn’t pick up any rhythm.
“But you know, I’ve come in pre-season and I’ve loved every second of it.”
Doidge arrived with an important role to play within a relatively young Newport County squad, with manager Hayden Mullins keen for the experienced forward to contribute both on and off the pitch.
The striker says his priority remains helping the team while supporting the younger players around him.
“I’ve got a job to do for the team. We had a younger group last season so the plan was obviously for me to come in and help the younger boys.”
“I want to contribute on the pitch first and foremost. And I’ve loved every second of it.”
Having started every game he has been available for, Doidge says he feels an important part of the group.
“It’s just really nice to have that at a late stage of your career.”
That influence extends beyond matchdays, with Doidge keen to use his experience to help the younger members of the squad.
“I’ve never been someone who’s selfish and just wants to look after themselves. I’ve always been someone I want to make the team better around me and hopefully I can do that here.”
Doidge opened his Newport County account last weekend, scoring in front of the Amber Army at Rodney Parade.
After waiting several games for his first goal, the striker admitted it was a welcome moment.
“I waited a little while. I think it’s like four or five games in. Haven’t had loads of chances since I’ve been here.”
“I could have scored a lot more on Saturday to be honest with you, so a little bit disappointed with that, but to get off the mark, it’s a nice feeling.”
The goal also gives Doidge confidence heading into the next fixture.
“Going into Accrington now, obviously from scoring it’s always a nice position to be in, go into the next game with that bit of confidence that you scored the week before.”
Doidge has impressed in his role as Newport County's central striker, providing a focal point for the attack while allowing the club's wide players to operate in their preferred areas.
The forward says Hayden Mullins has been clear about what he wants from him.
“He’s putting me around very quick wingers and we’ve got Harrison Biggins who plays in the 10 who runs all day.”
“He basically just tells me to stay in the centre of the pitch and that’s music to my ears to be honest.”
“I don’t really want to be running down the channels if I can help it.”
Doidge believes the system allows Newport County's wide players to make the most of their individual qualities.
“Leave our wide men wide in one-on-one positions because that’s what they’re really good at.”
“So yeah, let them go do their thing and I’ll do my thing in the middle part.”
Mullins has described Doidge as a warrior for his work in the air and ability to win flick-ons, something the forward is happy to embrace.
“I just want to be out there with the team and the group and win games of football.”
Doidge's experience is also proving valuable for Newport County's younger players.
He says he tries to offer support on a daily basis, particularly when younger players are finding results or performances difficult.
“I just think it’s like how you conduct yourself on a daily basis.”
“I feel like a lot of young lads are just so hard on themselves. Just got to come in every day smiling with as hard as you can.”
“When you’re down in the dumps, you’re never going to play as well as you can.”
For Doidge, that support can involve everything from tactical advice to simply being someone the younger players can talk to.
“I’ve been in the game a long time now so I can just try and give them the advice that I’ve been given throughout my career.”
One player who has particularly caught his eye is fellow forward Shaquille Gwengwe.
Doidge believes the 25-year-old has the attributes to enjoy a successful career and has praised his attitude and work ethic.
“He’s done incredible since he’s come in and, you know, he’s obviously got to keep his feet on the ground, but if he keeps going the way he is, he’s going to have a fantastic career.”
“He’s got incredible attributes and mentally he’s very strong as well.”
“All he wants to do is score goals and as a striker it’s a really good thing to have.”
Doidge has also backed the possibility of forming a partnership with Gwengwe in the future.
“Yeah, definitely. I do whatever the gaffer tells me to do.”
“I think me and Shaq would probably work quite well together.”
“He’s just got that knack and, you know, I don’t mind doing all that kind of work for him to get the rewards at the end of it.”
“He’s very clinical at the moment, so we’ve just got to keep feeding it.”
Doidge's return to Newport County has been a long time coming.
The forward revealed that he previously spent time on trial with the club while playing for Carmarthen Town, before eventually moving on to Dagenham & Redbridge.
He admits he was determined to take the opportunity when the chance to join Newport County finally arrived this summer.
“As soon as I found out that the potential was there this summer, it was the easiest negotiation ever.”
“Whatever my agent says, yeah, let’s just go for it and give it a go.”
The move has allowed Doidge to return to the area where he grew up and play for his hometown club at this stage of his career.
“I’d be gutted if I never got the opportunity.”
“I’m happy how it’s gone now, that I’ve managed to play for Newport at this stage of my career.”
Doidge has already enjoyed his first taste of a Rodney Parade matchday and says the support from the Amber Army has made the move even more special.
“The atmosphere coming out is amazing. Like the fans are right behind the team and you know, really got that big club feel, which is so nice and it really gets you going on a matchday.”
“Hopefully, we can make a lot of Saturdays memorable for the Newport County fans.”
Doidge has already started looking beyond his playing career, with the forward currently completing his coaching qualifications.
He hopes to remain involved in football after eventually hanging up his boots.
“I’m currently just about to finish my B. I’ll probably do my A Licence next season and I think it would just be quite a good progression for me.”
“I want to stay on the grass when I finish.”
“And like we’ve spoke about already, I like to help the younger group and stuff like that, so I think it’ll be a natural progression for me to go into coaching after.”
For now, though, Doidge's focus is firmly on making the most of his return to Newport County.
With his first goal now on the board, an important role within a young squad and the Amber Army behind him, the forward is enjoying being back where he feels at home.
