As Newport County prepare to face Tranmere Rovers, we take a look at four players who have proudly worn the colours of both clubs over the years.
John Aldridge
A prolific striker and one of the most iconic figures to represent both clubs, John Aldridge began his career at non-league South Liverpool before joining Newport County in 1979 for just £3,500. He quickly made his mark, scoring 87 goals in 198 appearances. During his time at Somerton Park, Aldridge helped County lift the Welsh Cup, gain promotion, and reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup — a golden era for the club.
In 1984, Aldridge moved to Oxford United and later starred for Liverpool and Real Sociedad. He returned to Merseyside in 1991 to join Tranmere Rovers, where he became a legend. He netted 174 goals in 294 games, including a remarkable 40 goals in his debut season — a club record.
Aldridge became player-manager in 1996 and led Tranmere to the 2000 League Cup final and two FA Cup quarter-finals. He retired from playing in 1998, and after relegation in 2001, he stepped down as manager. Across his English playing career, Aldridge scored 411 goals in 739 appearances — a stunning average of a goal every 1.8 games.
Kevin Ellison
Kevin Ellison brought experience and character to both clubs. He joined Tranmere Rovers from Hull City in 2006 and made 38 appearances in League One, scoring four goals during the 2006/07 season.
In September 2020, aged 41, Ellison signed for Newport County. He was soon appointed the club’s 'mental health ambassador' and made an instant impact, scoring a dramatic 96th-minute winner against Port Vale in November. In May 2021, Ellison made EFL history, becoming the oldest outfield player and goalscorer in play-off history, netting in a semi-final against Forest Green Rovers at age 42.
He featured in the 2021 League Two play-off final at Wembley, where Newport narrowly lost 1–0 to his former side, Morecambe. He signed a one-year extension in 2021, combining playing duties with a coaching role in the development squad.
Kyle Jameson
A towering and composed central defender, Kyle Jameson arrived at Rodney Parade in the summer of 2023. After starting his youth career at Southport, he was picked up by Chelsea and later moved to West Bromwich Albion. He gained senior experience during a loan at Barrow before spells with Fylde, Oldham Athletic, and Tranmere Rovers.
Jameson joined Tranmere for the 2022/23 season and made 10 appearances before making the move to Newport. He signed a two-year deal and made his debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season against Accrington Stanley. Known for his physicality and ball-playing ability, he has quickly become a reliable figure in the Exiles’ backline.
Steve Warriner
An attacking midfielder, Steve Warriner joined Newport County in 1978 from Liverpool. He was part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, making 36 appearances and scoring two goals. Warriner helped County win promotion and lift the Welsh Cup, and featured during the club’s memorable run to the quarter-finals of the 1981 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
He moved on to Rochdale in 1981 before going on to play for Tranmere Rovers later in his career, adding to the list of players to represent both clubs with pride.
