Newport County manager Hayden Mullins says his side must build on the positives from last weekend as they prepare to welcome Tranmere Rovers to Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Mullins also provided an update on new signing Matt Dibley-Dias, confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns and discussed the importance of using the home support to help County build momentum.
Mullins was delighted to complete the loan signing of Matt Dibley-Dias from Fulham, with the midfielder available for selection against Tranmere.
“Matt is a player that I know really well. I think Matt will fit into our environment and the way we play, his character and his game will certainly suit us.
“There’s a certain type I’m looking for in a player to come into the building. The player has got to match what we’re doing at the moment and match the group and fit in, and I think Matt certainly does that.
“He can get on the ball, play a number of positions, distribute the ball in different areas of the pitch that we need to, and he’s also quite a combative ball winner.”
Dibley-Dias is fit and available for Saturday, having trained with the squad since joining the club earlier this week.
“He’s fit. He trained. He came in Tuesday, went back Wednesday to get a few bits sorted and has trained Thursday and Friday, so he’s fit for Saturday, all being well.”
The arrival of Dibley-Dias gives Mullins further competition in midfield, with the manager pleased with the options currently available to him.
“Competition always brings out the best in players. We’re hoping that he comes in and adds to the group.”
Cole Jarvis scored his first goal for County as a substitute against Bristol Rovers last weekend, with Mullins praising the midfielder’s versatility and composed finish.
“Cole is one of those you can play in a number of positions. You sort of get caught up being able to do a number of jobs in different areas of the field.
“The plus side is you get on the field. If there is a job to do in certain areas and you’re someone who can do it and fill it, then you’ve always got a chance of getting on the pitch.
“He took his goal really well. It was what we needed at the time. We were chasing the game and needed someone to be a threat in behind.”
Mullins confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s fixture, with Ged Garner back in full training.
“We lost Ged last week, but Ged trained fully, so Ged’s back with the group now and there are no fresh concerns.”
James Crole remains unavailable through injury, but Mullins believes his existing attacking options provide sufficient cover.
“I think Shaquille can fill that role. I think Doidge, Ged and Cole did it on Saturday and helped, and we’ve still got James Crole as well, who is out injured.
“We’re hoping that Crole will be back in the coming weeks and that adds to that position as well.”
Despite the disappointment of the result at Bristol Rovers, Mullins believes there were plenty of positives to take from County’s performance.
“Our spirit, our character, our energy, our threat towards the opposition’s goal and what I asked the boys to do.
“For large periods of the game, we fought and stuck to what we were trying to do. We always knew it was going to be a tough game.
“We need to take the positives, and we need to take bits from the game now. We need to move forward.”
The manager also revealed that the squad had reviewed the match together before turning their attention towards Tranmere.
“We had a chat Monday. We spoke about the game, we watched video of the game and we had a really good chat. We put it to bed.
“The boys had their opinions and they voiced them, and we were all aligned in what we think and how we’re thinking. It was good.
“It’s best to put those bits to one side and then we can concentrate on Tranmere a little bit earlier and have a look forward at what’s coming.”
With County returning to Rodney Parade, Mullins highlighted the importance of the supporters and the atmosphere they can create.
“Massively. It’s so important that we feed off them, but also it’s important that we give them something to cheer about and to be loud about.
“We’ve scored six goals in two games, which is good, and we need to try and take that form into the game.
“We need to start right. We need to put the balls in the areas of the pitch where we know we’ll be effective and we really need to get the crowd up and with us.
“If they do that, then hopefully we can have a positive result.”
Mullins expects a difficult afternoon against Darrell Clarke’s side, who he believes will arrive well prepared for the challenge.
“I watched their two games and they work incredibly hard. They’ve also got a bit of quality in their team.
“We understand the threats that they pose. This division is really, really tough and no game will be easy.
“Darrell Clarke’s teams are never easy to play against and Darrell will have his team well drilled and well versed on us.
“It’ll be a tough game. We’re preparing for a tough game and that’s how we’ll be going into it.”
With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, Mullins confirmed County are still working on bringing in further additions.
“We are looking to try and do something. We’re still looking.
“We just need to add in a few areas of the pitch where we feel a little bit light and hopefully we get those through and get those over the line.
“The group are in a good place. It’s just the strength and depth and competition around the group that we need to try and get.”
He also confirmed that he does not currently expect anyone to leave the club.
“I can’t really see anyone who will leave at this point, which is good. I think the group is in a good place and there’s strong competition at the moment.”
