As Newport County prepare to kick off their Sky Bet League Two campaign with a trip to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, we take a moment to highlight four players who have represented both clubs.
DAVID PIPE
David Pipe, a full-back born and raised in Caerphilly, began his career at Coventry City after progressing through their youth ranks. He made 21 appearances in the sky blue before joining Notts County on loan in 2004, a move that became permanent after his Coventry contract was terminated.
Pipe enjoyed a three-year stint at Notts County before signing for Bristol Rovers in 2007. In the 2009-10 season, he went on loan to Cheltenham Town, where he made seven appearances in League Two, helping them avoid relegation to the National League.
In 2011, Pipe signed for Newport County, where he played a crucial role in the team that reached the final of the 2011-12 FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium, although they were defeated by York City 2-0. He was made captain for the memorable 2012-13 season, leading Newport to promotion to the English Football League after a 2-0 victory over Welsh rivals Wrexham.
Following brief spells at Forest Green Rovers and Eastleigh, Pipe returned to Newport. His left-footed cross found Mark O’Brien, who scored the 89th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Notts County on the final day of the League Two season, securing Newport’s survival in what became known as the 'Great Escape.'
JOSS LABADIE
Midfielder Joss Labadie came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion but never made a first-team appearance for the Baggies. Instead, he went on four separate loan spells, one of which was with Cheltenham Town for the 2009-10 season.
Labadie made 11 appearances for the Robins, helping them avoid back-to-back relegations alongside his future Newport County teammate, David Pipe. This secured Cheltenham’s spot in the 2010-11 League Two season.
After stints at Tranmere Rovers, Notts County, Torquay United, and Dagenham & Redbridge, Labadie joined Newport County on a two-year deal in 2016. He had a successful start, scoring on his debut in a 3-2 defeat to Mansfield Town.
Labadie became a fan favourite at Newport, making 149 appearances and being part of the teams that reached the play-off finals in 2019 and 2021 against Tranmere and Morecambe, respectively.
BEN TOZER
Central defender Ben Tozer came through the ranks at his local club Plymouth Argyle but began his professional career at Swindon Town, earning a move to Newcastle United. After making just two appearances for the Magpies, Tozer had spells at Northampton Town, Colchester United, and Yeovil Town before signing for Newport County in 2016.
Tozer enjoyed two seasons with the Exiles, amassing 76 appearances in all competitions. After a relatively successful second season at Newport, he joined fellow League Two side Cheltenham Town following the expiration of his contract.
At Cheltenham, Tozer arguably saw the most success of his career, playing consistently over four seasons. He played a crucial role in their 2019-20 campaign, reaching the League Two play-off semi-finals, though they were defeated 3-2 on aggregate by his former club, Northampton Town. However, the following season, Tozer helped Cheltenham to the League Two title and was awarded the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year awards.
Most recently, Tozer played for Wrexham for three seasons before being released at the end of last season. He has since signed for newly relegated National League side Forest Green Rovers.
FINN AZAZ
Midfielder Finn Azaz, like Joss Labadie, came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion and was loaned out to League Two side Cheltenham Town for the 2020-21 season. At the Robins, Azaz made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
His performances caught the attention of Premier League side Aston Villa, who signed him in July 2021. Following his transfer, Azaz was immediately loaned out to Newport County, where he made a significant impact with 45 appearances and 14 goal involvements from midfield. At the end of the 2021-22 season, Azaz was named the League Two Young Player of the Season and featured in the League Two Team of the Season.
Azaz's impressive time with the Exiles earned him a contract extension at Aston Villa, followed by two consecutive loan spells at Plymouth Argyle in League One and the Championship, respectively. In January 2024, Aston Villa recalled Azaz after receiving an undisclosed bid from Championship side Middlesbrough. Since joining Middlesbrough, he has made 20 appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
The best of the rest
Not forgetting those, of course, who joined the Robins this summer from County - Joe Day, Scot Bennett and Lewis Payne.