Some might see clouds gathering over Newport County’s current position, but captain Matt Baker is urging his team-mates to look upward with belief and clarity as the Exiles prepare for a crucial run-in, beginning at Fleetwood this weekend.
With 42 League Two points still available across the final 14 matches, County remain within three points of safety. The situation is challenging, but Baker insists perspective is everything. Compared to the dramatic “Great Escape” of 2017, when County were 11 points adrift before winning seven of their final 12 games, the current task remains firmly achievable.
That remarkable season was sealed by Mark O’Brien’s unforgettable last-minute winner against Notts County at Rodney Parade, a moment etched into club folklore. Baker believes history proves momentum can shift quickly.
“League Two can be odd, because often it’s all on the day,” he says. “Look at teams who were down there and went on a run and suddenly moved up the league.
“A run of wins gives you confidence. Mostly, I feel, it’s about being consistent and cutting out the mistakes in your game.”
Still only 23, Baker will make his 132nd appearance for the club at Fleetwood. The Kent-born defender, who proudly embraces his Welsh heritage through his mother from Narberth in Pembrokeshire, has long demonstrated leadership qualities. He captained Wales age-group sides up to Under-21 level and is now embracing the responsibility at Rodney Parade.
“My mum is from Narberth in Pembrokeshire. She grew up there before moving to London when she was 16,” Baker explains. “It makes me half-Welsh.”
He recalls childhood trips west fondly. “I used to go back to Narberth to see my family. I remember it being sunny and the beaches of Tenby being very nice.”
His Welsh football education came through the FAW pathway, progressing alongside players such as Eli King, Isaak Davies, Charlie Savage and Owen Beck, as well as current team-mate Joe Thomas.
“I’ve been in the Welsh set-up for longer than I can remember since I was young. They take you right through the system and teach you the Welsh way.”
Baker’s development continued at Stoke City before he chose regular senior football at Newport three years ago. Initially arriving on loan, he committed permanently and has since grown into a central figure in the dressing room.
“When I first came to Newport, Clarkey was a big help to me,” Baker recalls of former captain James Clarke. “I was quite close to him and always took note of what he did and how he was.
“When he retired, I realised I would need to step into his boots. He was a very good captain, a great communicator and a good leader on the pitch. Clarkey was easy to talk to and superb with the younger, less experienced lads.”
Clarke’s retirement came swiftly, and Baker stepped up when required earlier in the season before formally taking on the role.
“When he retired, I had to step up as captain, like I did earlier in the season when he wasn’t playing.”
He sees captaincy as a shared responsibility within a youthful group.
“Because we have a young squad, the more experienced players all have a role to play. It’s about working as a team.”
Recent narrow defeats against sides at the top end of the table have reinforced belief rather than diminished it. Baker and Ryan Delaney were outstanding in the 3-1 victory at Salford, a performance that demonstrated County’s resilience and quality.
“There are fine margins in football,” Baker reflects. “It’s about being as fully focused as you can during a game. When you get your chances they must be taken, you need to perform in both boxes.
“League Two is a league where anyone can beat anybody on the day. We need to be clinical and rectify mistakes. Looking back, I think we have been unlucky in certain games. At times it feels like we’re not getting decisions, but you have to move on and take the next opportunity that comes.”
He also praises manager Christian Fuchs and assistant Mark Smith for maintaining belief and positivity following the January reshuffle.
“There was obviously a turnaround in the squad during January. I think they have done their best to keep everything enjoyable and provide a positive environment. They are doing their utmost to create success. Everyone has bought into it and believes in it.”
Saturday’s trip to Fleetwood marks the beginning of a defining stretch that concludes at Barrow in early May. The schedule continues with home fixtures against Tranmere and Colchester next week, offering further opportunity to build momentum.
Newport’s place in the English Football League has been hard-earned, from promotion at Wembley in 2013 to previous survival battles that have strengthened the club’s identity. As one of four Welsh clubs currently in the EFL, that status carries pride and responsibility.
“This is a great club,” Baker says with emotion. “All we want is to keep the club up. This is the club that gave me my chance in senior football. We have fantastic support, with fans travelling home and away. It’s time to give something back to them.
“I am looking beyond all of this and want to finish nearer mid-table. I 100 per cent think it’s possible. It’s not just about staying up, it’s about finishing further up the league table.
“We want to maintain our club’s status. We are fully focused on doing that.”
With belief inside the dressing room and the backing of the Amber Army, Baker is convinced Newport County’s story this season is far from written.
