As Newport County prepare to welcome Walsall to Rodney Parade on Easter Monday, we take a look at four players who have proudly worn the colours of both clubs over recent seasons.
From captains to cup heroes, these players have made a lasting impact on both sides of the Severn Bridge.
Joss Labadie
A commanding presence in midfield, Joss Labadie joined Newport County in June 2016 and quickly became a key figure at the heart of the team. He made an immediate impression, scoring on his debut against Mansfield Town in the opening game of the 2016/17 season.
That campaign would prove unforgettable, as Labadie captained County during the now-legendary ‘Great Escape’, helping secure survival in League Two with a dramatic 2–1 win over Notts County on the final day.
Over five seasons at Rodney Parade, Labadie became a stalwart in the side, making 145 appearances and scoring 17 goals. He was part of two play-off final squads, including the 2019 defeat to Tranmere Rovers and the narrow 1–0 loss to Morecambe in 2021, when he led the team out as club captain.
In June 2021, Labadie swapped South Wales for the West Midlands, signing for Walsall. He was named club captain for the 2021/22 season and made his debut against Tranmere Rovers. Labadie spent two seasons at the Bescot Stadium before departing in the summer of 2023.
Jamille Matt
A powerful and hard-working striker, Jamille Matt has become a familiar name to fans of both clubs. He initially joined Newport County from Blackpool in 2018 and made a major impact during his two-year spell.
Matt played 97 games and scored 26 goals for the Exiles, including a memorable opener in the famous 2-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Premier League side Leicester City in 2019. His contributions helped County reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley later that season.
After a successful spell with Forest Green Rovers—where he added 39 goals across more than 100 appearances—Matt moved to Walsall in January 2023. Since then, he has become an integral part of the Saddlers’ attack, reaching 100 appearances for the club and contributing 12 goals so far in the 2023/24 season.
James Clarke
Defender James Clarke made the switch to Newport County in the summer of 2021 after two seasons with Walsall, where he amassed 65 appearances.
Since arriving at Rodney Parade, Clarke has become a key figure in the Exiles’ back line. Known for his leadership and consistency, he was named club captain at the beginning of this season's campaign, and has now played over 120 times for the Amber Army.
On Easter Monday, Clarke will lead Newport out against his former club—a fitting occasion for one of the club’s most reliable and respected figures.
Priestley Farquharson
Priestley Farquharson joined Newport County in January 2021 from Welsh champions Connah’s Quay Nomads, having impressed in both domestic and European competition. He made his debut for County the following month and was part of the side that reached the 2020/21 League Two play-off final at Wembley.
The commanding centre-back grew into his role over the following two seasons, earning praise for his performances and notching five goals in 65 appearances. He scored his first goals for the club in a 2–0 win over Gillingham in November 2022 and established himself as a regular starter before leaving at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
In June 2023, Farquharson signed for Walsall on a two-year deal. A versatile and athletic defender, he has brought experience and solidity to the Saddlers’ back line.
Before his EFL career, Farquharson had an unconventional path to professional football, having featured for Hitchin Town, Hayes & Yeading, and Bishop’s Stortford, and even representing England in beach soccer, making over 50 appearances in the sand.
