OWNER Huw Jenkins says that Newport County AFC’s change in style means that Premier League clubs are approaching them about taking young prospects on loan as he hunts January signings to push on in League Two.

The chairman has written to Exiles supporters giving them a mid-season review and has confirmed that a 10-year rolling lease with the Dragons to stay at Rodney Parade has now been signed.

However, it is on-field matters that is of pressing concern for most fans with County sitting 18th in League Two with just a six-point gap to the relegation zone.

Nelson Jardim is looking to strengthen his squad and so far one new recruit has joined, goalkeeper Lewis Webb, with influential midfielder Bryn Morris sold to Harrogate due to family reasons.

Owner Jenkins led a summer recruitment drive that led to 17 players joining and he is looking for them to progress in the second half of the campaign while also adding a few new faces.

WATCHING: County owner Huw Jenkins in the stands at Rodney Parade (Image: Lewis Mitchell/Huw Evans Agency)

“Our mentality and reputation within the football fraternity is slowly changing,” said the former Swansea City chairman.

“Our change in football style means we now have top-flight clubs actually starting to contact us to take their players on loan, and I’m sure that with the right player additions in January we can look forward and develop even more as the season progresses.”

On the summer transfer window, Jenkins said: “I oversaw a lot of changes in the summer, firstly with the appointment of Nelson Jardim as head coach and 17 new players joining the club.

“There were many young signings within that group, and the first half of this season was always going to be a tough period of transition with new and old players adjusting to a new style of play and, more importantly, a new way of thinking at Newport County.

“Now that things are settling down, it means that we should get stronger as the season progresses.

“Signing our players on extended contracts will also allow the club flexibility to keep our best players longer and build value within the squad, while looking for consistency and growth each season.

“A core base of players is vital and will hopefully provide us with a much better chance of success going forward.”

FINANCES

Jenkins took over in January after the Supporters Trust sold due to a perilous financial position.

Accounted for the last full year under that ownership model showed that there was a loss of just over £900,000 after it was £1.2million for the year ending June 30, 2022.

“As I have said from day one when I was asked to consider taking over majority ownership of Newport County, the main priority was to slowly improve the financial position of the club which at the time was of serious concern,” writes Jenkins.

“I’m pleased to say that over the last year after the introduction of additional funding, the football club is now in a much more stable position. However, the challenge to reduce annual losses remains.

“Expenditure is still exceeding income, so it is important we keep on building revenue through commercial activities (new businesses welcome via commercial@newport-county.co.uk) and matchday ticket revenue, while also continuing to control costs.

Rodney Parade, home of the Dragons and Newport County (Image: Lewis Mitchell/Huw Evans Agency)

“I also believed that building a solid relationship with the Dragons was vital and with that in mind I’m pleased to confirm that we have now agreed and signed a new 10-year lease that was essential to satisfy EFL rules and provide much needed security for the football club.

“There are many challenges for us to face in the months ahead. Daily training facilities are still a big issue.

“We have invested funds into the upkeep of our training base (the building) at Spytty, but training pitches are still a problem, while matchday costs continue to rise to put further strain on monthly cashflow.”

County are at risk of being dragged into a relegation battle but Jenkins remains encouraged by what has been achieved after so many changes.

“My summary of the season so far, on and off the pitch, is very much aligned. We have done reasonably well, but we must continue to improve in all areas on and off the field,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned there is now a good atmosphere within the club.

"Yes, we all wanted more wins and more points on the board as we move into 2025 but with continued hard work and some positive thinking, I’m sure the remainder of the season can bring a successful few months for everyone connected to Newport County.”