Newport County AFC’s first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Townsend, has opted to turn down an international call-up from Antigua & Barbuda, choosing instead to remain with his club for their upcoming League Two fixtures.
Townsend, who recently represented Antigua & Barbuda in the Concacaf Nations League, declined the chance to earn additional caps in matches against Bermuda and Dominica, preferring to stay on home soil and prepare for Newport’s critical games against Grimsby Town and Notts County.
Key Decision for County’s Number One
Townsend, 30, has previously balanced club and international commitments, but this time, he prioritised continuity with Newport’s campaign. Head coach Nelson Jardim confirmed that the decision was left to Townsend, saying:
“Nick has decided not to go this time. He has done this before, and we always leave it down to him, but it’s good for the team.”
The experienced keeper’s absence in recent international duty saw Newport deploy Jacob Carney as a substitute against Harrogate, a match that highlighted Carney’s inexperience when he mishandled a routine cross, leading to the game’s only goal.
Additionally, Townsend’s hasty return for a fixture against Chesterfield didn’t yield his usual standard, as a first-minute error contributed to Newport’s early setback. Jardim is hopeful that Townsend’s decision to stay will bring stability and prevent another rushed preparation period.
Townsend is expected to start in Newport’s upcoming home clash with Grimsby at Rodney Parade. Meanwhile, Carney is likely to see action in Newport’s EFL Trophy fixture against Reading, where a win could secure progression to the competition’s knockout rounds. Newport’s path forward in the EFL Trophy hinges on the outcome against Reading, with Jardim indicating a strong yet slightly altered lineup for Tuesday night’s encounter.
“We want to go through,” said Jardim. “The first game against Cheltenham we had one of our best halves but then we had Jacob’s sending off, which changed the game and we ended up losing. That has put us in the position where we have to win this game.”
Writer’s View
Townsend’s decision to stay with Newport shows his commitment to the club’s immediate challenges. His experience and leadership between the posts could be essential in stabilising the team’s form, especially after recent defensive lapses. Jardim’s strategy of balancing league priorities with a competitive cup approach should maintain both team morale and momentum, crucial as Newport pushes through a busy fixture period.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
