Interim head coach Dafydd Williams has called on his players to deliver a ‘Newport County’ performance when they face Tranmere Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
The Exiles host Rovers at Rodney Parade in their final game of the 2024-25 campaign, hoping to secure a first win since March 15.
Williams, who stepped into the role in the latter stages of the season, is determined for his side to finish with pride in front of a passionate Amber Army.
“To be completely honest, I want a Newport County performance on Saturday,” he said pre-match.
“What I mean by that is I want to see a fighting spirit, aggression, and a competitive edge. I want us to be more dangerous going forward and defend our goal a lot better than we've done.
“This season, I think some people may have felt disassociated from what a Newport County team usually looks and feels like. That’s been our focus all week — I want a Newport County performance and I want to give our supporters a great afternoon to finish off what’s been a disappointing season.
"We haven’t had a win for a while now so it’s massively important we get that tomorrow for the fans. I’ve been here for two years now and, honestly, the support here is one of a kind. I can really relate to them as I’ve been where they are before.
"The support they show these group of players up and down the country is magnificent, and is one of the best I’ve seen. I feel their disappointment and I feel their frustration this season, but I’d love nothing more than to give them that sense of pride and joy at 5pm on Saturday, and that "I've watched Newport County today."
He added: "The lads have had a good week leading up to Saturday's game. We have tried to shift some of the mindsets and hopefully there will be a performance on Saturday to get the juices flowing for next season.”
Two promising academy players, Riley Lonergan and Moses Alexander-Walker, travelled with the squad to Fleetwood Town last weekend and have continued to train with the first team this week.
Both have impressed with the under-18s this season and could feature in the final game.
And Williams highlighted the significance of developing homegrown talent, especially with budget constraints.
“The academy is a key part of any football club, and especially here — I think that's something the supporters really like to see," he explained.
“Also, if you haven’t got the biggest budget, then you're probably even more reliant on getting one or two through into the first team. So having that connection again next season is definitely something the club should consider. I think it’s really important.
“Moses and Riley were with us last weekend — they were with us Friday, travelled with us Saturday, and were in the squad. I would’ve loved to have seen at least one of them get on.
“They’ve been with us this week as well, and hopefully at least one of them can get involved on Saturday. That academy connection is really important.”
