Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim has praised his players’ efforts after confirming their League Two status for another season, describing it as the reward for a challenging year of transition.
The Exiles ensured safety from relegation after a hard-earned 0-0 draw against promotion-chasing Walsall on Easter Monday. Despite ending the match with 10 men, the result, combined with Carlisle United’s draw against Accrington Stanley, meant Newport could no longer be caught in the drop zone.
Nervy Run Ended
It marked the end of a nervy run-in for Jardim’s side, who are now unbeaten in two after a Good Friday stalemate against MK Dons. Both matches were goalless, but for the Portuguese coach, the performances were full of fight and commitment.
“It is very positive, especially against the opposition we have played,” said the Portuguese. “Two valuable points have helped us get over the line and get to a mathematically safe situation.
Jardim took charge during what he calls a “transitional period”, having handed out 12 EFL debuts during the campaign. Inconsistent form, particularly at the back, made for a difficult first full season in charge.
But the head coach believes the lessons learned during this tough campaign will serve his young group well in future.
“We don’t hide the fact that we have conceded a lot of goals, down to some lack of experience,” he explained. “Hopefully the team is settling down now. This is a transitional period, which we knew was going to be tough.”
Jardim now has two games remaining to end the season on a high. A trip to Fleetwood Town is followed by a final-day clash with Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade.
Can Still Beat Last Season
Currently 20th with 49 points, Newport can still match last season’s total of 55 points if they win both matches. That finish saw them end in 18th.
Fleetwood, Saturday’s opponents, are 15th in the table and come into the game having lost three of their last four outings.
Writer’s View
For Newport, survival means much more than just avoiding the drop — it validates Jardim’s long-term approach. Integrating inexperienced players while navigating the unforgiving terrain of League Two was always going to be a challenge. Jardim’s belief in the squad and in consistent development may not have delivered wins of late, but it has delivered safety. That platform could be the springboard to better things next season.
