As we prepare to welcome to Swindon Town on Friday night, we take a look back at four players who have represented both clubs.
Danny Rose
Danny Rose, a former midfielder, is well-remembered for his time at both Swindon Town and Newport County. A product of Manchester United’s academy, Rose moved to Oxford United in 2007 before making the switch to Newport County in 2008. At Newport, he quickly became a fan favourite, helping the club to the Conference South title in the 2009–10 season. Rose was a key figure in the midfield, contributing ten goals during the 2008–09 campaign, despite Newport finishing a disappointing 10th.
In 2009–10, under manager Dean Holdsworth, he was pivotal in Newport's remarkable league triumph, finishing top with a record-breaking 103 points, 28 points clear of second-placed Dover Athletic. Rose continued to shine in the 2010–11 season, where Newport narrowly missed out on the Conference Premier play-offs by just four places. By the end of his time at Newport in 2012, he had made 165 appearances for the club, scoring 36 goals in all competitions, including a memorable hat-trick against Kettering Town. Rose then moved to Fleetwood Town in January 2012, despite interest from other Football League clubs.
Jake Cain
Jake Cain’s career has seen him play for both Newport County and Swindon Town, with his journey bringing him through Liverpool’s youth ranks. Cain signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in 2019 and made his senior debut in the FA Cup in 2020. His loan move to Newport County in 2021 was a significant step forward in his career, as he made an immediate impact.
Cain made his debut for Newport on 31 August 2021 in the EFL Trophy against Plymouth Argyle, before playing his first Football League match for Newport in September 2021. Throughout the 2021–22 season, Cain showed glimpses of his talent, playing 32 games for the Exiles in all competitions.
In January 2023, Cain made the switch to Swindon Town on a two-and-a-half-year deal. His time at Swindon has been an exciting one, as he marked his first league start for the club in a game against Newport on 4 February 2023. A week later, Cain scored his first league goal for Swindon in a 2–1 win against Crawley Town. His creativity in the middle of the park and his ability to break up play have made him a key player for Swindon in recent months.
Ryan Delaney
One of the more recent switches between the two clubs was Ryan Delaney, who joined Newport County in 2023 from Burton Albion. Delaney, a solid and reliable centre-back, quickly established himself at Newport, making his debut on 5 August 2023 against Accrington Stanley. Throughout the 2023–24 season, Delaney played a key role in the heart of Newport’s defence, forming a strong partnership at the back.
Delaney’s first goal for Newport came in a 4–2 win over Forest Green Rovers on Boxing Day 2023, a moment that highlighted his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Despite interest from other clubs, including Swindon Town, he continued to impress throughout his time at Newport. However, in the summer of 2024, Delaney made the decision to join Swindon Town on a free transfer, seeking a new challenge in League Two. At Swindon, he looks to bring his solid defensive experience and leadership to bolster their backline.
William Henry 'Billy' Lucas
William Henry 'Billy' Lucas is one of the most iconic figures to have played for both Swindon Town and Newport County. A Welsh international, Lucas made over 400 Football League appearances, with his most prominent spells at Swindon Town, Swansea Town, and Newport County. His career spanned the late 1940s and 1950s, and he became known as a tough, determined wing-half with excellent leadership qualities.
Lucas began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving to Swindon Town, where he made his name. After a brief break due to World War II, Lucas joined Swansea Town in 1946 for a then club-record fee. His leadership helped Swansea win the Division Three South title, and he also helped the club win two Welsh Cups during his tenure. After leaving Swansea in 1953, he joined Newport County as player-manager, where he would make 93 appearances and score 6 goals for the club.
As player-manager, Lucas was responsible for leading Newport during a challenging period. His leadership was invaluable, and his ability to motivate the team helped to steer Newport through the post-war years. Under his guidance, the Exiles navigated difficult seasons, and his presence was felt both on and off the pitch. After retiring from playing, Lucas went on to manage both Swansea and Newport, leaving a legacy that still resonates with both clubs today.
