Lee reflected on Newport County’s improved form under Hayden Mullins, the togetherness within the squad, his development alongside experienced defenders and the challenge of facing Cheltenham Town this weekend.
Lee praised the changes made since Mullins arrived, highlighting the experience within the squad and the team’s ability to fight back from difficult situations, as shown in Tuesday night’s comeback against Rotherham United.
“A lot has changed since the new gaffer has come in, to be fair. Just the style of play and, obviously, the players we’ve brought in compared to last season. We’ve brought more experience in.
“We’ve got experienced boys out on the pitch who know how to bring us back into the game. The togetherness in the team just shows how tight we are as a group.”
Lee also believes Mullins deserves greater recognition for the work he has done, with County seven points better off than at the same stage last season and unbeaten in their last eight league matches at the time of the interview.
“For sure, yeah. He’s definitely not been given the credit he deserves for what he’s done.
“Compared to this time last year, we were seven points adrift of where we are now. It’s clearly shown in the last eight games that we’re unbeaten, which is good to have in any league.”
The defender also discussed the benefits of playing alongside experienced teammates in the backline, including Kyle Cameron and Cameron Norman, and how their guidance has helped him improve both on and off the pitch.
“Having Kyle Cameron next to me, who’s been in the league for numerous years and played at a good level, and having Cameron Norman as well, the pair of them either side of me has helped me as a player on and off the pitch.”
Lee believes the changes to County’s defensive unit have also contributed to the team’s progress, with consistency and the support of teammates across the pitch proving important.
“The backline is a completely different backline to last year, and it’s clearly paying off with the clean sheets we’re having.
“It’s not even just the backline, it’s the boys in front and the boys up top. We’re all out there to help each other, and we’re all there for each other. You can see it’s paying off and things are coming together now.”
With County unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions, Lee highlighted the belief growing within the dressing room and the importance of maintaining that momentum.
“The belief’s massive in there. We all know what we’re capable of now, and that’s what we’ve got to do, keep the momentum going into every game. Hopefully, we can keep that unbeaten run going.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham Town, Lee is determined to help County respond after losing both meetings against them last season and give the travelling Amber Army something to celebrate.
“I’m yet to win against them, and it’d be nice to give something to the fans who travel away, home and away with us every week. It’d be nice to give them something big to cheer on Saturday.”
Lee also acknowledged the importance of carrying the positives from Tuesday’s comeback into the weekend, believing County have made progress on the road after a difficult start to the season.
“Our away form wasn’t the best at the start, but we’ve turned that on its head now, hopefully. We can take the positives from Tuesday’s game into Saturday’s game.”
The defender also spoke about his enjoyment of physical battles, explaining that he welcomes the challenge of facing bigger strikers and believes staying disciplined will be key in a derby atmosphere.
“I relish it all day. I prefer having a big, physical striker up against me. When they go from a five-foot-nine striker to sticking on a six-foot-plus striker, I thrive off that and enjoy the battle.”
Having reflected on County’s earlier defeat to Bristol Rovers, Lee stressed the importance of avoiding individual errors, remaining patient and taking their chances when they come.
“It’s just about staying in the game. Against Bristol Rovers, I think a few of the mistakes came from individual errors. If we take them out of the game, we’ll be well in it.
“We just need to make sure we stick to what we’re doing, remain patient out there and take our moments when they come.”
Lee will also be hoping to get on the scoresheet himself, having come close on a few occasions recently, as County look to continue their unbeaten run and secure their first away league win of the season.