Nick Townsend believes there is a positive atmosphere building around Newport as the Exiles aim to secure their fourth consecutive league victory ahead of tomorrow’s League Two clash against Port Vale at Rodney Parade.
Now in his seventh season with the Exiles, Townsend has reflected on the club's progress this campaign. While the squad are pleased with what they've achieved so far, he is keen not to get carried away with the excitement.
“It’s really good at the moment, there’s talk of us potentially going top of the table if we win tomorrow but we’re not really thinking about that at the minute,” said Townsend.
“We’re taking it game by game and don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves.
“We’re still a very new squad that is building those connections with each other but we’re gelling really well.
“There’s a positive atmosphere building around Newport, you can feel it.”
Newport’s number one also spoke about how he has adapted to the new style of play introduced by Nelson Jardim this season, which represents a significant change from previous years.
“This season has been completely different compared to past seasons for me; rather than being told to boot the ball up the pitch every chance I get, I now get more time on the ball, I can start the attacks and build the ball up from the defence,” Townsend added.
“I’m loving it but I’m still getting used to the transition. I want to avoid conceding goals from a mistake in the build-up, so we’re working really hard to develop that side of our game.
“There’s a lot of pressure but that’s what footballers need to thrive.
“There were a lot of people writing us off at the start of the season because of all the changes at the club, but I think we’re starting to show people what we can do.
“I think it’s good what Huw (Jenkins) and Nelson (Jardim) have built; there’s a good mix of youth and experience, which will be useful as we go deeper into the season.”
Townsend also took a moment to praise fellow Newport shot-stopper Jacob Carney. He had nothing but positive words for the young goalkeeper and is confident Carney will return from his recent setback even stronger.
“Jacob Carney is a fantastic player, and he’s a similar age to what I was when I joined Newport, so I think I can share with him what I did to settle in at the club,” Townsend continued.
“You see it in training, he’s a modern keeper who’s unbelievable with his feet and he’s pushed me to better myself this season, so I think we’re working well together.
“The red card on Tuesday is a learning curve for him because, at the end of the day, he’s still a young lad.
“To be a keeper, you have to be thick-skinned, and you have to be able to take criticism, so I’m sure he’ll be back stronger.”
Finally, the Antigua and Barbuda international gave a brief overview of what he expects to be a good challenge on Saturday as the Exiles prepare to take on Port Vale at home.
“Port Vale will be a good test for us because they’re a good side,” said Townsend.
“I’ve always said that there’s no such thing as an easy game in League Two, so we won’t be overlooking Port Vale because we know what they can do, and it’s just about us stopping them from doing it.”
Tickets for tomorrow's match (September 7, 3pm) against Port Vale are still on sale and can be purchased HERE.