Hayden Mullins spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture against York City at Rodney Parade, discussing County’s positive run of form, the importance of squad belief, tactical flexibility and the options available following Christian Doidge’s injury.
Mullins addressed comments surrounding the Rodney Parade pitch, insisting County’s focus remains on their performances rather than outside criticism.
“I think for us, we’ve just got to focus on ourselves and our performances. I don’t want to take anything away from what the boys are doing at the moment. I think the positive for us is that we’ve maintained an unbeaten start at home.”
The manager highlighted the belief within the squad and the team’s growing confidence following a positive run of results.
“I think the boys believe now and believe we’re a tough team to play against. We just try and make the game tough, whether we’re playing at home or away.”
Mullins explained why tactical flexibility and playing to the squad’s strengths are important in a competitive League Two campaign.
“We’re no different. We’ve got a set of things that we do well as a team. It’d be crazy not to do it and we’d be crazy to set up a different way and take away from what we’re good at.”
The manager praised the togetherness within the dressing room as County look to maintain their momentum.
“We’ve got a good group of players, a good dressing room, really tight-knit. It’s a good place to come into work and see the lads.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s meeting with York City, Mullins acknowledged the challenge ahead and stressed the importance of continuing to collect points.
“We’re sure that York will bring a very good brand of football to Rodney Parade. It’ll be a tough game, like I say, most weekends, which we’ll be set up ready for.”
Mullins also discussed the importance of results over possession statistics, explaining that the team remains focused on executing its approach effectively.
“I’m not too worried about the possession stats if I’m being totally honest with you. I think the result at the end of the day is the big thing for us.”
The manager addressed Christian Doidge’s injury absence and the opportunities available for other attacking players to step up.
“Christian will definitely be a miss to us. I think he brings a lot of experience, a lot of know-how to our game and how we play.”
Mullins highlighted the options available in attack, including Shaquille Gwengwe and Jed Garner, as County prepare for the upcoming fixtures.
“It’s an opportunity for someone. I think that’s the way we look at it and that’s the way we’ve always got to look at it.”
The manager praised Cameron Norman’s experience, versatility and influence since returning to Newport County.
“Cam Norman’s been pivotal to what we’re doing. He’s confident, he’s front-footed, he’s really focused on us as a group and how we set up.”
Mullins concluded by emphasising the importance of the leadership group in setting standards and creating a competitive environment throughout the squad.
“They don’t just turn up and play the game and then accept whatever happens. It’s turn up to win or turn up to perform and turn up to be horrible or hard to beat.”