Will summer window be a fresh start for Newport?
Christian Fuchs signed what Newport called a long-term contract when he took charge last November
- Published
There was a finish to remember for Newport County at the end of a season to forget.
As sweet as it was to secure League Two status on the final day of an arduous campaign, Newport will hope for much less trauma in 2026-27.
It is now 13 years since the Exiles climbed back into the English Football League (EFL) courtesy of a play-off final triumph over Wrexham.
In nine of the 13 seasons since victory at Wembley, the south Wales club have finished in the bottom half of the table – and this spring was by no means their first relegation near miss.
Manager Christian Fuchs said after victory at Barrow on the final day of the season secured Newport's EFL status, that the club must use the "momentum that we just created to push forward".
As Fuchs and chairman Huw Jenkins aim for progress, their work in the upcoming transfer window will be crucial.
BBC Sport Wales assesses what the Newport hierarchy will be looking for.
How much work is required?
The short answer is lots. As is the way for many clubs in League Two, Newport do not tend to dish out long-term contracts.
As a result, summer windows are often busy and that will be the case at Rodney Parade this time around.
As it stands, Newport have only 11 players under contract next season – and two of those have been placed on the transfer list.
There are a number of others who County hope will stick around, with half a dozen members of the 2025-26 squad in talks over new deals with their current contracts due to expire next month.
But even if they all opt to stay, there will be numerous vacancies to fill.
How will Newport rebuild? Will they keep trying to unearth hidden talents at smaller Welsh clubs, as they have done with mixed success in recent times, and will they continue to target youngsters at clubs who are higher up the English pyramid?
Or, amid talk of new investment potentially coming into the club, could Newport find the financial power to recruit a few more players with proven League Two quality?
The fans, just like Fuchs, will crave the answers to this summer's key questions, with Newport desperate for improvement next season after some turbulent times.
Certainly, there is scope for something of a fresh start given the lack of players who are guaranteed to be around.
What do Newport need over the summer?
Who could they lose?
Newport have lost quite a few players already, with experienced striker Courtney Baker-Richardson released alongside defenders Anthony Driscoll-Glennon, Liam Shephard and Jaden Warner.
Youngsters Nelson Sanca, Riley Lonergan and Jac Norris have also been allowed to leave at the end of their contracts, while Newport have placed Wales midfielder Matt Smith and forward Ged Garner on the transfer list.
Loan signings had a big part to play in Newport's successful survival push, but Ryan Delaney, Sven Sprangler, Harrison Biggins, Ben Lloyd, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and top goalscorer Nathaniel Opoku have all said their goodbyes after temporary stints at the club.
Then there are the players who are discussing new deals but could yet opt to move elsewhere.
They include captain Matt Baker, who was named players' player of the season earlier this month, and fans' player of the year Michael Spellman.
Bobby Kamwa, who scored some vital goals as Newport dragged themselves to safety, is another who is in talks with his current deal set to expire, alongside Keenan Patten, Cameron Evans and Ciaran Brennan.
- Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption, Wales Under-21 defender Matt Baker was one of Newport's standout players in 2025-26
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What do they need?
Newport have two goalkeepers under contract in Jordan Wright and Shaun MacDonald but, other than that, they are light in every department as things stand.
Once the futures of those players offered new contracts are settled, the club will have a better idea of exactly what is required.
But it is already apparent that Newport need increased depth at the back, while they could start next season with a whole new midfield having lost the likes of Sprangler, Biggins and Lloyd.
Up front, meanwhile, they would love to find a goalscorer to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Will Evans and Dom Telford, who thrived in Newport's attack in the not-too-distant past.
Certainly, some more players with experience and pedigree would help Fuchs' squad – but the question will be whether Newport can afford to go down that road.
The squad as it stands
Goalkeepers – Jordan Wright, Shaun MacDonald
Defenders – Lee Jenkins, Joe Thomas, Tom Davies
Midfielder – Matt Smith
Forwards – James Crole, Lewis Jamieson, Cole Jarvis, Moses Alexander-Walker, Ged Garner
