Newport County manager Christian Fuchs has dismissed any talk of relegation, insisting his squad is focused on progression and League Two redemption as they prepare for Saturday’s Severn-side derby against Bristol Rovers.
The Exiles travel to face fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers this Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports. Victory at the Memorial Stadium would lift County out of the relegation zone for the first time in over four months, though Fuchs remains mindful of the challenges ahead.
“Make no mistake, this is an important game,” said Fuchs. “But top-of-the-table Bromley, Bristol Rovers – it doesn’t matter who we play. What matters is that we work as a unit and fight for each other. The players know what to do.”
County’s away form has been encouraging in recent weeks, with wins at Crawley, Accrington and Harrogate, contrasted with narrow defeats to Bromley and promotion-chasing Gillingham. Meanwhile, Rovers have taken just seven points from their last 54, giving County supporters travelling across the Severn hope for a positive result in front of a 9,000-strong crowd, including nearly 1,400 away fans.
Fuchs, a former Austrian international and Leicester City Premier League winner, is no stranger to the pressures of relegation battles. “People know me for my successes as a player, but what is often forgotten is that the season after Leicester’s title, we faced real relegation concerns. I know what it feels like and I also know what it takes to get out of a difficult situation,” he said.
“For us, the focus must always be on the next game. That is the one we can affect. As long as we perform, we give ourselves the best chance to win.”
The Newport boss has overseen a significant transformation since taking charge. “When we arrived after the Oldham game, we might have thought we could win. Now we expect to win and that makes any defeat even more disappointing. The boys have bought in fully over the last six weeks, and everything has changed.”
Fuchs singled out recent performances from Michael Spellman and Bobby Kamwa as examples of the squad’s growing confidence. “Spellman’s goal against Chesterfield was outstanding. The way he cut across the box and finished with his left foot showed perfect control. Bobby’s movement has also improved so much,” he said.
Defensively, Fuchs remains focused on tightening a backline that has conceded 51 goals so far, the second-most in League Two. “Defending starts up front,” he said. “Nathan Opoku worked tirelessly against Chesterfield to press and help the team defensively. That effort often goes unnoticed, but it shows how much the boys want the club to succeed.”
County will be without the suspended Opoku for the trip to Bristol. January signing James Crole, who has already scored 11 goals this season for Penybont, could make his full Football League debut. Fuchs praised the young Welshman’s readiness: “Every time James comes on, he shows he can hold up the ball and bring others into play. He’s ready if needed.”
There may also be recalls for right-back Liam Shephard, defender Lee Jenkins, and new signing Lewis Jamieson from Sacramento Republic. Midfield creativity from Matt Smith, however, remains doubtful.
“Not everything will go upwards all the time,” said Fuchs. “We tripped up against Accrington, but the boys’ heads are in the right place, and we must keep pushing forward. Mistakes happen, but it’s about learning and improving. That’s the mentality we are building.”
County will hope to continue their revival on Saturday and give the Amber Army a result to celebrate in a fiercely contested derby on the banks of the Severn.
