Newport County manager Hayden Mullins believes his side is well prepared for the start of the 2026-27 campaign as County travel to AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday.
After overseeing encouraging performances against Yeovil Town and AS Roma during pre-season, Mullins is looking forward to his first competitive game in charge.
"We're looking in a good place," he said.
"We've still got a couple of injuries that we're nursing and a few knocks from the other night, but other than that we're close to full strength."
The County boss admitted the opportunity to return to first-team management, combined with the club's ambitions for the future, made Newport County the right move.
"When I spoke to Huw, it just felt like the right fit for me.
"The direction the club wants to go in and the infrastructure we're trying to build made it the right time. I'd been at Fulham for three years and I felt I was ready to get back into first-team football.
"You miss the day-to-day environment and playing for three points on a Saturday. It's what I've known since I left school and it's where I want to be."
Mullins says there is a clear vision for the football club and believes the supporters can play a huge role in helping drive the team forward.
"We're trying to take Newport County as far as we can.
"I've been to Rodney Parade before when the atmosphere has been incredible, and I saw it again against Roma. It was a fantastic occasion.
"If we can give the supporters something to cheer about, then the noise and energy they give back to the players will be massive for us."
Asked whether recent managerial changes at the club gave him any reservations about taking the role, Mullins was unequivocal.
"Not at all. I can't focus on what's happened in the past. My focus is on this squad and what we can achieve together.
"I know what happened last season and the fantastic job that was done to keep the club in the EFL, but now it's about looking forward."
The manager was pleased with what he saw against AS Roma and believes the performance showed what his side is capable of ahead of the new campaign.
"We're trying to play to our strengths. We've got pace, players who are good in the air, players who can hold the ball up and we've got legs in midfield.
"We created some really good chances against a Champions League side and that gives us real belief going into the season. If we keep putting the ball into the right areas, we can hurt teams."
While remaining realistic about expectations, Mullins is confident the group has the qualities to enjoy a positive season.
"I think this group can achieve whatever we put our minds to.
"I'm not going to sit here and make predictions, but we'll keep pushing to be as effective as we can every weekend. If we apply ourselves properly and work hard, we should find ourselves on the right side of plenty of results."
With the transfer window still open, Mullins confirmed the club continues to work on strengthening the squad.
"We're still looking to add a couple of players because we need depth in the squad.
"We're positive things will happen, but they've got to be the right players. They need to be able to handle this division and the demands of the season."
He also praised the impact made by several of his summer additions.
"Christian Doidge gives us a real focal point and plenty of know-how up front, Yahya Bamba brings pace and energy, while Shaquille Gwengwe has been excellent and has been really open to learning a slightly different role.
"They all bring something different to the team."
Mullins also confirmed that Kyle Cameron will captain Newport County during the 2026-27 season.
"Kyle will be club captain this season.
"He brings excellent leadership, organisation and experience. Off the pitch he's been brilliant as well, and with the vice-captains around him he'll be a huge help, particularly for the younger players."
The County boss added that academy players will continue to play an important role around the first-team environment.
"They'll be involved with us every day and they'll have opportunities.
"Training alongside experienced players like Kyle Cameron is invaluable. That's one of the best learning environments they can have."
Attention now turns to Saturday's trip to the Cherry Red Records Stadium, where Newport County begin their competitive season against League One opposition.
"I feel really good.
"I've seen enough in the last two performances to know we can go there and have an effect on the game.
"We know it'll be tough. Johnnie Jackson has built a very good side and they'll want to start the season strongly at home.
"But we'll go there with a front-foot approach. We'll work hard, we'll be difficult to beat and we'll look to hurt them whenever we can.
"Our best chances against Roma came from the work we did out of possession and how we transitioned when we won the ball back. That has to be a big part of what we do this season.
"We want Rodney Parade to become a really difficult place for teams to come, and to do that we've got to give the supporters something to feed off.
"Saturday is another opportunity to do exactly that."
Watch Hayden Mullins' full pre-match press conference below.
