NEWPORT County AFC could achieve something pretty remarkable on Saturday – finish what has been a pretty comfortable season away from the relegation scrap in the last safe spot.
The Exiles put themselves on the brink of safety with strong February results and rather limped towards mathematically avoiding the drop, with that feat achieved on Easter Monday when Carlisle failed to beat Accrington.
It has been job done in securing a 13th straight season in the EFL but the campaign has not been truly satisfactory.
There were big changes in the summer of 2024 and the same needs to happen over the coming weeks, with owner Huw Jenkins picking a new boss after the exit of head coach Nelson Jardim and then bolstering the squad.
Chances were given to a raft of novices this season – 12 players have made their Football League debuts so far with academy prospects Moses Alexander-Walker and Riley Lonergan potentially adding to that against Tranmere – but many didn’t take them.
The Argus has rated the seasons of those who have taken to the field for the Exiles in 2024/25.
Part one – the goalkeepers and defence…
(GK) NICK TOWNSEND: B+.
County would potentially be preparing for a Boston reunion with Graham Coughlan rather than Bristol Rovers were it not for the stalwart.
The goalkeeper is one of the few contenders for player of the season after playing a big part in securing the points earned, especially in February.
Townsend has his weaknesses – and his height makes him a target at set pieces – but will be sorely missed if a fresh contract is not agreed.
(GK) JACOB CARNEY: D.
Was given a chance to push for a starting spot but fluffed his lines in Harrogate, then made more errors against AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale in January.
Lost his bench spot to Lewis Webb, who is yet to make an appearance.
(RB/CB/LB) CAMERON EVANS: C.
Earned a contract after he got in touch with owner Jenkins on LinkedIn and was invited for a trial.
Solid performances and has exceeded expectations after spending last year with Taunton, when relegated from National League South.
Versatile, tenacious and a good squad player.
(RB) JOE THOMAS: B+.
A huge success story after cementing himself in the XI in the second half of the campaign.
An ankle issue meant the right-back from Treorchy had to wait until the autumn for a Football League debut at Notts County.
The former Cambrian United and Swansea academy defender has been energetic and determined down the flank, with hopefully much more to come with experience and physical development.
(RB/LB/M) SHANE MCLOUGHLIN: B-.
Hasn’t hit the heights of his first season but that has been down to the team’s struggles and constantly being shifted around.
I would argue that he remains the club’s best right-back and left-back but he was frustratingly shifted to central midfield to plug a gap, where he didn’t look comfortable.
Still a dependable player and will probably have other more lucrative contract offers.
(LB/LWB) ANTHONY GLENNON: C.
A very frustrating season. Can look very good on the front foot but also hapless in defence.
He is the leader for assists with eight and, after arriving on a two-year contract, should arguably be deployed as a left-sided midfielder next season rather than left-back/wing-back.
(LB) TOM DAVIES: N/A
Arrived in January from Cardiff to provide much-needed competition for Glennon at left-back but suffered a hamstring injury on his third outing. Showed enough promise to give encouragement for next season.
(CB) JAMES CLARKE: B.
Like Townsend, a huge part in County still being a League Two club.
Was frozen out until injuries and suspensions led to him returning for the key run of results in February when he was hugely influential in pressure situations.
He’s 36 in November so shouldn’t be retained as a leading player but there is a strong argument for a player-coach role in which he would be back-up.
(CB) MATT BAKER: B+.
Arrived on a permanent deal for a third spell at Rodney Parade and is now a senior figure, despite only being 22.
Has the class to step up a level or two – and he’s one of the club’s few sellable assets – but still has a few question marks when it comes to aerial defending in the box.
Learning plenty and is County’s player of the season according to the whoscored.com ratings.
(CB) CIARAN BRENNAN: B-.
A steady first campaign in Newport, although it was ended early by a (harsh) red card against Walsall that will mean he also misses the first two games of next season as it was his second dismissal of the season.
County could do with having a more settled defence next season and it will be interesting to see what the new boss thinks of Brennan, with a new centre-back certainly high on the list of priorities.
It’s tough to judge. How would Brennan & Co look if they were alongside a Mickey Demetriou type figure?
(CB) KYLE JAMESON: C-.
Was recalled last weekend due to Clarke’s injury and Brennan’s suspension but surely he won’t be kept on for next season?
The central defender has spells where he looks a fine player and he adds balance to the side with his left peg but there is always a mistake looming.
Marked down to a D because of his disciplinary record, with three red cards courtesy of rash decision-making.
(CB) JADEN WARNER: C.
A bizarre one and not a great deal to judge on. The central defender was signed in January from Norwich but has only made five appearances due to fitness issues.
Looks to have the physical attributes and composure on the ball but needs to develop some robustness if he is to be a League Two regular.
(CB) NELSON SANCA: N/A.
The teenager, who looked very promising in the run-in a year ago, endured a tough afternoon when an injury to McLoughlin led to him being brought on against Port Vale in the opening minutes.
Didn’t appear again and was sent to Briton Ferry Llansawel to get a proper taste of men’s football in Cymru Premier, which should serve him well.
Pre-season with the seniors and then potentially another loan for the first half of the campaign?
Tomorrow: The midfielders and forwards are assessed.
