Head coach Nelson Jardim is confident that the invaluable experience gained by his young players this season will serve as a strong foundation for future success.
Over the course of the campaign, the Exiles boss has handed 12 players their Football League debuts, including a first league start for midfielder Keenan Patten in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Bromley at Rodney Parade.
Alongside these debutants, seven players have celebrated individual achievements, scoring their first-ever Football League goals.
And Jardim believes that this remarkable feat at a League Two club will provide Newport with the platform needed to build for long-term growth and success.
“Everyone can see that this season has to be the base and foundation for everything,” he said pre-match. “It’s about building for the future and we are certainly in that process.
“I’ll challenge any team in this league—who else has given 12 League debuts this season? Jacob Carney, Joe Thomas, Cameron Evans, Tom Davies, Keenan Patten, Cameron Antwi, Jamie Miley, Kai Whitmore, Hamzad Karbo, Geoffroy Bony, Oliver Greaves, Michael Spellman.
“I’d even challenge Newport County’s history—when was the last time the club gave 12 debuts in one season? It’s a huge achievement.
“We should be proud of that. I’m proud of the boys. Sometimes things went our way across the season so far; sometimes they didn’t. But it’s a massive achievement, and next season, that has to be challenged again.
“That’s the way life is—you have to keep aiming higher. After a season under their belt, these players I’m sure will continue to grow."
The Exiles continue their run-in with a long trip to relegation-threatened Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.
On the test awaiting his side, Jardim added: “We expect them to be up for it.
“We know over a hundred fans are travelling as well, so we need to make sure we put in a good performance because we’re playing for them. The fans have been brilliant home and away this season and we need their continued support for the rest of the season.
“Despite the difficulties of the game, we know we have to perform. We have to focus on ourselves more importantly than the opposition, because we need to keep on improving, especially away from home.”
Jardim also confirmed they are still to assess the fitness of Courtney Baker-Richardson and Kyle Hudlin ahead of Newport County’s trip to Brunton Park.
