Tranmere sign striker Baker-Richardsonpublished at 16:12 BST
16:12 BST
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Image caption,
Courtney Baker-Richardson scored eight goals in 66 league appearances for Newport
Tranmere have signed striker Courtney Baker-Richardson on a one-year deal.
The 30-year-old was a free agent after leaving Newport County at the end of last season.
He could make his debut for the League Two side in Saturday's Carabao Cup preliminary-round tie at Rochdale.
"He works hard for the team, competes well and will give us another good option in the forward areas," boss Darrell Clarke told the club website., external
Following Christian Fuchs' departure, Chris Todd was placed in temporary charge and has overseen the Exiles' pre-season preparations.
Whether he remains at the helm or returns to a coaching role, Todd says his focus is solely on helping County move forward.
"It's been enjoyable," said Todd.
"It's been hard work. I joined the club last season, so whether the chairman wants to make me the manager, that will be in conversations that we have.
"If not, I will stay at the football club and do everything I can to help everybody in the squad be ready for that first game."
Todd returned to Rodney Parade in March as assistant first-team coach to Fuchs, having previously represented the club as a player.
The 44-year-old has not hidden his desire to take on the manager role permanently.
"I would love to, obviously, but it's got to be right," he added.
"I think I'm ready to do that. Of course I'm going to back myself on that.
"But if the chairman decides otherwise and the time is not right, then I will support whoever comes in.
"Whether that is as a coach or whatever it may be, it doesn't really matter to me. I'll be ready."
Regardless of the decision, Todd insists his priority is to "help the club strive forward" in the hope that they can find life in League Two a little easier after several years plagued by relegation concerns.
Newport visit Yeovil Town on Saturday before concluding pre-season against Italian giants AS Roma at Rodney Parade, with Todd quipping that he hopes his side are not given too much of a run-around by the Champions League outfit.
Newport must stop conceding terrible goals - Toddpublished at 10:54 BST 29 July
10:54 BST 29 July
Luke Hemmings BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Newport County interim manager Chris Todd urged his players to cut out the costly mistakes that gifted Reading a 4-0 victory in their first pre-season outing at Rodney Parade.
Although Todd felt Jacob Brown's early opener was a quality finish, he was left frustrated by the manner in which the three goals that followed were conceded.
Reading's second came after new signing Yahya Bamba surrendered possession near the halfway line - with Josh Stokes finishing the move three passes later - before Jerae Jones struck twice late on as County failed to clear their lines.
"We were good in spells, but [they were] terrible goals to concede. All four of them really are mistakes," said Todd.
"If you're going to concede and you're going to lose games, you have to lose by them cutting you open, but we kind of gifted them goals, which is disappointing.
"They know that that's not good enough and that's the facts, and I've told them that."
Having conceded 77 goals in League Two last season, many from their own errors, Todd is clear that a similar trend cannot "creep in" to the Exiles' games this term.
Despite the scoreline, the interim boss was encouraged by periods of Newport's performance, though there was little forthcoming in the way of chance creation for County.
"We held our own, first half especially," he added.
"It was very clear to see that we had good opportunities. We should be scoring at least one of those opportunities that we had."
Todd points to Harrison Biggins' teasing cross in the first half as a key moment that just needed that finishing touch from someone in amber.
"We worked on that yesterday, so it's little details that they've got to get right to get a better outcome," he said.
With an EFL Cup match at AFC Wimbledon to come on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST), Todd believes there were enough positives to build on as Newport seek to avoid another relegation battle.
County beaten at Parade by four-goal Readingpublished at 21:41 BST 28 July
21:41 BST 28 July
Luke Hemmings BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Newport County suffered a 4-0 pre-season defeat by League One Reading at Rodney Parade.
Interim Exiles boss Chris Todd gave starts to five summer signings and teenager Harri Pugh on the right wing but it was one of the Royals' new recruits that opened the scoring.
Former Portsmouth forward Jacob Brown slotted home calmly from the edge of the area after 10 minutes and Reading had further chances to extend the lead before the break.
They doubled their advantage early in the second half when Josh Stokes finished a neat move after the visitors capitalised on Yahya Bamba's misplaced pass.
Jerae Jones added two more goals in a dominant performance by the Royals, who finish their pre-season against Crawley and Charlton.
Rodney Parade was sparsely populated for the visit of Reading but should be packed to the rafters on Tuesday, 4 August as Newport host Italian giants Roma.
The Exiles play their first competitive game at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) and then host Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST) in their League Two opener.
Exiles denied by Fisher in Bath friendlypublished at 17:07 BST 25 July
17:07 BST 25 July
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Newport County were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Bath City after a late leveller by former Exiles striker Alex Fisher.
County led 1-0 at the break thanks to forward Ged Garner, who was put on the transfer list in May, scoring with the help of a deflection off former Exiles defender Kieran Parselle.
Bath equalised three minutes after the restart when Danny Greenslade's set-piece went in but the visitors responded quickly to restore their lead with a near-post header by teenage defender Harrison Halpin.
Fisher, who scored two goals as hard-working targetman for County in 2021-22, levelled against the run of play from close range in the 79th minute to earn a draw for the hosts from the Southern Football League Premier Division Central.
Interim Newport manager Chris Todd will be in charge for a first Rodney Parade fixture when the Exiles face League One Reading in a friendly on Tuesday, 28 July (19:30 BST).
The 24-year-old made three appearances for County but failed to score during his time at Rodney Parade.
Glasgow-born Jamieson came through the ranks at St Mirren and spent loan spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Airdrie, Raith Rovers and two stints with Clyde.
County hold Bristol City to 0-0 drawpublished at 15:04 BST 21 July
15:04 BST 21 July
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Newport County held Bristol City to a goalless draw in their latest pre-season encounter.
The friendly was played behind closed doors at the Robins' High Performance Centre on Tuesday, with Exiles defender Cameron Evans making his first appearance of the build-up to 2026-27.
Interim manager Chris Todd will next take his League Two players to Southern Football League Premier side Bath City on Saturday, 25 July (15:00 BST).
Todd is still in charge of the Exiles after the shock departure of Christian Fuchs and oversaw wins at Bristol Manor Farm and Newport City, plus a defeat by Gloucester City before returning to the West Country.
County also have friendlies lined up against Reading, Yeovil Town and Italian giants Roma in the build-up to competitive action.
The Exiles get under way at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) and then host Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST) in their League Two opener.
Notts County bring in Newport defender Bakerpublished at 14:03 BST 18 July
14:03 BST 18 July
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Matt Baker made 144 appearances for Newport County, initially on loan from first club Stoke City before joining the Exiles permanently in 2024
Central defender Matt Baker has joined Notts County on a two-year contract with the option of another year in the club's favour.
The 23-year-old, who came through the Stoke City academy, spent three and a half years with Newport County before leaving as a free agent this summer.
"I think here is the perfect place for me," Baker said. "We can get a lot of success going forward in the future and I'm hoping to help towards that."
The Welshman turned down a new contract with Newport, where he was club captain, and the Magpies - newly-promoted to League One - have agreed an undisclosed compensation package with the Exiles due to his age.
When a player under the age of 24 rejects a new contract to move elsewhere, the two clubs must agree a compensation fee.
County host Argyle and young Eagles in EFL Trophypublished at 16:20 BST 16 July
16:20 BST 16 July
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Newport County have confirmed the dates of their fixtures in the group stages of the EFL Trophy.
The Exiles will travel to face League Two rivals Swindon Town on Tuesday, 22 September (19:00 BST) and then host League One Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, 6 October (19:00 BST).
Newport finish at Rodney Parade against Crystal Palace Under-21s on Tuesday, 3 November (19:00 GMT).
The top two from each group go through to the round of 32 in December, with the winners having home advantage.
Newport add Bristol City trip to pre-season gamespublished at 13:00 BST 16 July
13:00 BST 16 July
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Newport County have added another behind-closed-doors friendly in the West Country with a trip to play Bristol City at their High Performance Centre on Tuesday, 21 July (12:00 BST).
Having already fixed an encounter at Southern Football League Premier Bath City on Saturday, 25 July (15:00 BST), the Exiles will face Championship's Robins in their preparations for League Two.
Interim manager Chris Todd is currently in charge of the Exiles after the shock departure of Christian Fuchs and has overseen wins at Bristol Manor Farm and Newport City, plus a defeat by Gloucester City.
County play Bath and Bristol City before further friendlies against Reading, Yeovil Town and Italian giants Roma in the build-up to competitive action.
The Exiles get under way at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) and then host Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST) in their League Two opener.
Newport add Bath trip to pre-season schedulepublished at 12:17 BST 15 July
12:17 BST 15 July
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Newport County have added a friendly at Bath City to their preparations for League Two.
The Exiles will travel to Twerton Park to face Southern Football League Premier Division South opposition on Saturday, 25 July (15:00 BST).
Newport frequently went up against Bath before their return to the Football League, while promising forward Moses Alexander-Walker spent the second half of last season on loan with the Romans.
Interim manager Chris Todd is currently in charge of the Exiles after the shock departure of Christian Fuchs and has overseen wins at Bristol Manor Farm and Newport City, plus a defeat by Gloucester City.
County play Bath before further friendlies against Reading, Yeovil and Italian giants Roma in the build-up to competitive action.
The Exiles get under way at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST) and then host Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST) in their League Two opener.
Trialist sent off as Exiles lose Gloucester friendlypublished at 17:53 BST 11 July
17:53 BST 11 July
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Newport County had a trialist sent off as they were beaten 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Southern League Premier division side Gloucester City.
County defender Lee Jenkins headed home from Harrison Biggins' corner to give Newport a first-half lead at Gloucester's Meadow Park home.
But Gloucester turned the game around as they scored twice in the opening 18 minutes of the second period.
League Two Newport's hopes of finding an equaliser were not helped when one of three trialists in the their squad was dismissed after receiving a second booking 21 minutes from the end despite only coming off the bench at half-time.
Defeat was a first in pre-season for Newport, who are under the guidance of interim boss Chris Todd (pictured above), after wins over Bristol Manor Farm and Newport City.
Gloucester are managed by former Newport assistant boss and interim manager Dafydd Williams.
Youngster Pugh signs new Exiles contract published at 15:29 BST 10 July
15:29 BST 10 July
Image source, Newport County AFC
Newport County youngster Harri Pugh has signed a new contract with the League Two club.
Academy product Pugh made his first-team debut as a substitute in an EFL Trophy tie against Exeter City last November.
The 18-year-old midfielder has featured in the Exiles' opening two pre-season friendlies this summer, with the club describing him as one of their "brightest young prospects".
Newport have not specified the length of Pugh's new deal.
Newport add Yeovil trip to pre-season schedulepublished at 10:06 BST 9 July
10:06 BST 9 July
Luke Hemmings BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Newport County have added a trip to National League South side Yeovil Town to their pre-season schedule.
The sides will meet at Huish Park on Saturday, 1 August (15:00 BST) in County's penultimate friendly of the summer.
Newport welcome Italian giants Roma to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 4 August (19:00 BST) before a first competitive fixture at AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST).
Newport will visit Huish Park for the first time since a 2-0 pre-season defeat by Yeovil in 2023.
Preparations for the League Two campaign, which starts with a home fixture against Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST), continue under interim manager Chris Todd after the resignation of Christian Fuchs.
County overcome City in Newport friendlypublished at 21:41 BST 8 July
21:41 BST 8 July
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Summer signing Shaquille Gwengwe scored a hat-trick as Newport County enjoyed their return to Spytty Park with a 5-0 win against Newport City.
The Exiles continued their preparations for the League Two season by heading to the home of the Cymru South Steelmen, who are now managed by former County favourite Robbie Willmott.
County played at Spytty Park before moving to Rodney Parade in 2012 and trained at the ground until last summer.
The Exiles led 2-0 at the break thanks to an early strike by new recruit Yahya Bamba and a second just before half-time by Cole Jarvis, formerly of City.
County pressure eventually told in the second half when Gwengwe, Southern League golden boot winner for 2025-26 after scoring 47 goals with Poole Town, struck three times.
The Exiles travel to Gloucester City, who are managed by former County coach Dafydd Williams, on Saturday, 11 July (15:00 BST).
Former County boss Hughes lands new role at Evertonpublished at 16:29 BST 8 July
16:29 BST 8 July
Luke Hemmings BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Former Newport County boss Dave Hughes has been appointed Everton's head of academy player development and will also oversee the development of the under-21s as part of a host of changes to the club's academy.
The Welshman replaces Paul Tait, who spent 16 years working within the club's academy set-up.
It is Hughes' first position within football since being sacked as Exiles boss in November last season with the club bottom of League Two, having won just two of their opening 16 league matches.
Having been appointed on 23 May 2025, Hughes initially guided Newport to safety in the 2024-25 campaign as County finished seven points clear of the drop zone.
Hughes now steps away from management by returning to a more familiar role within academy football, where he has built an impressive reputation in the last 20 years with clubs including Shrewsbury Town, Watford, Aston Villa, Southampton, Cardiff City and Manchester United, as well as the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
Everton technical director Nick Cox confirmed Hughes' role, telling the club website: "Moving forward, the under-21s will be led by Dave Hughes as part of his wider remit as head of academy player development."
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