Newport County Set for Crucial Test Against Swindon Town After Managerial Shake-up
Newport County’s upcoming match against Swindon Town promises to be a crucial encounter, with both teams under pressure to secure valuable points in their fight to climb the League Two table. The Exiles, having faced a string of tough losses recently, are looking to break their four-match losing streak, while Swindon, under new management, will seek to capitalize on their improved form.
Nelson Jardim, Newport County’s manager, acknowledges that this fixture will present a significantly different challenge compared to the teams they’ve previously faced. Since Ian Holloway took the helm of Swindon in October, the Robins have experienced a shift in dynamics, showing notable improvement. Holloway’s tenure follows the departure of Mark Kennedy and has been marked by a new style of play, with Swindon now sitting in the top half of the form table for their last eight matches.
Jardim is full of respect for Holloway’s experience and the progress Swindon has made under his leadership. “Ian is someone I respect a lot. I remember the work he did at Blackpool, the way they played; it was a fantastic job," Jardim said. "He’s an experienced manager. They’ve changed a lot of things there, and they are also a different team.” This transformation has been key for Swindon, who won the reverse fixture earlier this season 4-0, and they are now aiming to build on that success as they head into this Friday’s match at Rodney Parade.
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Newport, however, are coming off a tough patch, with four consecutive losses that have left them teetering just above the relegation zone. They are only six points ahead of 23rd-placed Morecambe, and with only one win from their last 11 league games, the pressure is mounting. Jardim, however, remains hopeful and sees home advantage as a potential turning point in their fortunes. With 13 of their remaining 22 games to be played at home, he believes the crowd’s support could be vital as they seek to bounce back.
“We’ve got 13 games at home and only nine away,” Jardim noted. “We’ve been playing on the road for a long period now, so we’ve got that luxury to have more home games. This is obviously a massive game, but we take each game as it comes.” The Newport manager is focused on the task ahead and knows that this match, despite the difficult run, holds the potential for much-needed points.
For Swindon, their own form has been inconsistent, but they have fared better in recent weeks compared to Newport. The Robins have won three of their last seven matches and come off a 2-0 victory over Barrow, with Harry Smith and Nnamdi Ofoborh finding the net. This win put Swindon in a stronger position, sitting 19th in the league, and they will be looking to extend their solid run of results. The arrival of Holloway has breathed new life into the squad, and they now feel confident heading into this match against one of the league’s weakest defenses.
Newport’s defensive issues remain a key concern, with the team holding the joint-worst defensive record in the division. The loss of Ciaran Brennan due to a dislocated shoulder, coupled with Kyle Jameson’s suspension, leaves them even more vulnerable at the back. Jardim may need to shuffle his defense, with James Clarke expected to start alongside Matthew Baker in central defense.
As for Swindon, they are also expected to be without some key players, but the form of top scorer Harry Smith has been crucial. His partnership with Aaron Drinan will be key in breaking down Newport’s defense. Additionally, Swindon is looking to add more firepower with a potential loan deal for Crystal Palace’s Jaydan Raymond, which could give them a further boost.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, the stakes are high. Newport will be desperate to put an end to their losing streak, while Swindon will look to continue their climb up the table. The result of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ survival hopes in League Two.
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