Confidence is key says County boss on play-off potential

Newport County AFC head coach Nelson Jardim believes his side could still challenge for the League Two play-offs this season – if they can find the confidence and consistency to climb the table.

County are 15th after 15 games, but only five points behind seventh-placed Grimsby Town – who they host at Rodney Parade tomorrow.

The Exiles are also now able to focus all their attention on the league after exiting the FA Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy this month.

But Jardim is well aware that his team, who were beaten 2-1 at Tranmere Rovers last weekend, must improve both in defence and attack if they are to enjoy a successful season in the fourth tier.

“This league is crazy – every team goes through bad spells, and we feel like we are in one of them. We cannot hide that,” said the Portuguese.

“It’s up to us to work hard and be determined to move forward and try our best to get into a good run.

“We are not at the level we want to be, and we will be, and it is a tough spell. But we are determined to get back on track and that good run will come.

“We are closer to the play-offs than we are to the bottom of the table, and you cannot say that is a negative thing. I think it’s a positive thing.

“You are always looking upwards, and we should probably have another three or four points.

“But we are where we are, and our plan is to make sure we get comfortable in the league and get as close as we can to the play-off spots. If you are close in February or March, anything can happen.”

Jardim believes confidence is the key factor and he wants his players to be able to overcome adversity during games.

“It’s about confidence and trusting the way we should be playing every ball and sometimes things don’t go our way, and we feel like we are not in control,” said the Exiles boss.

“But we are also having good spells in games, and we have to improve and make those spells longer.

“My task is to make sure that they are confident, and they know what they need to do, and make sure everyone is thinking the same way.

“Confidence is a huge part of football. Manchester City is a good example – they still have good players, the best manager in the world and their clear way of playing, but the results are not coming. That is about confidence, because they are not even playing badly.”

County are without the suspended Kyle Jameson after his red card at Tranmere, while Jamie Miley is a doubt with a back spasm, but Shane McLoughlin is fit after a knee injury having played for an hour in Tuesday's Trophy defeat at Reading.

“Shane had 60 minutes. I stretched that time more than I should, but it’s good to have him back and fit and he’s not had any reaction,” said Jardim.

“He’s versatile and wherever he plays, he’s going to play well. He’s so composed on the ball, and he will give us a boost defensively and also in attack.”