Newport County striker Kyle Hudlin has come under fire from former Everton and Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe, who suggested the towering forward “should find another sport to play.”
Hudlin, 24, has scored four goals in 22 appearances for Newport County since joining on loan from League One side Huddersfield Town. Despite his efforts, County currently sit 20th in League Two, just six points clear of the relegation zone after four consecutive defeats.
Newport’s latest disappointment came in a 3-2 loss to Port Vale on Saturday, where they squandered a two-goal lead. Hudlin entered the game as a substitute for the final 19 minutes, but Ratcliffe, who was part of the BBC Radio Wales commentary team, delivered a scathing assessment of the forward’s performance.
Ratcliffe’s Comments
“They brought the lad Hudlin on and I’m afraid, for me, he should go and find another sport to play because he’s not been impressive to me whatsoever,” said Ratcliffe.
“I’ve seen him at Harrogate and Tranmere and he needs to be better, especially if he’s come from a place like Huddersfield and is learning the game. He’s learning it the hard way.”
Standing at 6ft 9in, Hudlin is one of the tallest professional footballers in the world. However, Ratcliffe suggested Newport’s lack of physicality across the squad is a more pressing issue.
“When it comes to a battle, they come off second best all the time,” he added. “That’s what Port Vale worked out at half-time. Newport lost their way in the second half.”
Struggles Continue for Newport
Newport County’s poor run has seen them secure just two wins in their last 16 games, a stretch that has raised questions about manager Nelson Jardim’s future. Asked if Jardim was under pressure, Ratcliffe didn’t mince words:
“As a manager, you’re judged on results, and the results have not been good enough,” he said. “He’s got to have stronger players in the squad. When you go man-to-man against them and match them, that’s when it becomes evident they lack in height and physicality.”
Writer’s View
Kyle Hudlin’s unique stature has been a talking point since he broke onto the scene, but performances this season have failed to match the potential suggested by his physical attributes. Ratcliffe’s comments, while harsh, reflect the growing frustration among Newport fans as the team’s struggles deepen.
Manager Nelson Jardim will need to find solutions quickly, both tactically and in terms of recruitment. Hudlin’s loan spell and Jardim’s tenure could face scrutiny if results don’t improve soon. The question remains whether the towering striker can adapt to the physical demands and tactical nuances of League Two football in time to make an impact for Newport County.
