Newport County

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Jordan Wright says the belief instilled in the Newport County squad by head coach Christian Fuchs' was pivotal in ensuring the Exiles preserved their League Two status.

Newport were four points adrift of safety when the former Austria international was named as Dave Hughes' successor at Rodney Parade in November.

But the Exiles clinched survival on the final day of the 2025-26 season as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Barrow.

Discussing the impact of 2015-16 Premier League winner Fuchs, Wright told BBC Radio Wales Sport: "He's just brought that belief, he's done it at the highest level, he's won the highest thing you can win in English football.

"He's just brought that to the team. He just said, 'Lads, we're a good group, we've got good players and just believe in yourselves'.

"We've believed in ourselves and look what's happened. It's unbelievable."

Wright added: "I think we've shown in games in the past two or three months that we've been unbelievable.

"If we find that rhythm and put it in the back of the net more often, we'll win so many more games. The group of lads and staff that we've got, it's an unreal group.

"You can tell just how much it means to everyone."

Charlie McCann gave Barrow an early lead at SO Legal Stadium, and the hosts had the chance to go 2-0 up when they were awarded a penalty early on in the second half.

But Josh Gordon was well denied by Wright from 12 yards out before Tom Davies and Bobby Kamwa struck late on to earn the visitors a precious victory.

On his crucial penalty save, Wright said: "Any 'keeper would say they're just doing their job. You prepare for it, and if it happens, it happens.

"I go through it, I do the home work and luckily it's paid off today.

"I've watched his pens and I knew what he would do with his run up.

"I thought if I just lean, my legs are long enough to try and save it."

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Iwan Roberts says Newport County have the kindest fixture of all the sides in the League Two relegation scrap as they prepare for Saturday's season-defining trip to Barrow (15:00 BST).

The Exiles are one of five teams fighting to stay up heading into the last weekend of a difficult campaign.

They take on bottom-club Barrow, who are three points adrift of Harrogate - who are 23rd - and Crawley - in 22nd - and realistically look all but down because of their inferior goal difference.

Newport, in 21st, and 20th-placed Tranmere are a point better off than Harrogate and Crawley.

And former Wales striker Roberts says Christian Fuchs' men have an "easier game" than their relegation rivals.

"Crawley have got to go Salford, who are fourth and one point off automatic promotion," Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"Barnet go to Harrogate. Barnet are ninth. They are three points off the play-offs and have a better goal difference than Chesterfield [in seventh]. Barnet have won 19 points from their last seven games.

"Tranmere are not out of it. They host Grimsby - you have got the worst defence [in the division] in Tranmere against the second top scorers in Grimsby. Grimsby are sixth and not guaranteed a play-off place, so they have everything to play for.

"Barrow are on 36 points and 12 goals worse off than Crawley in goal difference. They are not getting out of it. So Newport have got the easier game, but the pressure is still on them."

Victory at Barrow would guarantee Newport's survival, though they might not need to win - or even draw - if other results go their way.

The Welsh club claimed a second victory in their past three games as they overcame Oldham Athletic in dramatic fashion last weekend, but they have not managed back-to-back league wins in 2025-26.

"What a good time to do it [this would be]," Roberts added.

Former Newport County boss Mike Flynn - who led the club to a dramatic final day escape nine years ago - recalls the 2017 win over Notts County.

And with the Exiles one of five clubs who could still face relegation on the last day of the current League Two season, he told Radio Wales Breakfast what it would mean for Newport to lose League Football.

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Christian Fuchs says Newport County must focus on themselves as they look to avoid relegation from League Two on the final day of the season.

The Exiles, who have been in the Football league since 2013, head to bottom side Barrow on Saturday, 2 May (15:00 BST) as one of five sides who could finish in the bottom two.

Following a 3-0 loss away at Cambridge last weekend, the hosts will be hoping for a miracle, they need to win and overturn an eight goal difference if they are to keep their League Two status.

Despite Barrow's precarious position, Fuchs says his side must not focus on their opposition.

"I think they will try to push hard initially, but it's all assumptions, we don't actually know what state of mind they are in right now," said Fuchs.

"It's definitely a tough situation for them, but we have to look at ourselves.

"Our destiny is in our own hands, so we need to make sure that we are on the right end of everything that is going to happen on Saturday.

"It's down to us and how we approach the game to make sure if there is a weird atmosphere, we make it even more weird."

Fuchs' side eased some of their own pressure with a dramatic 3-2 victory against 10 man Oldham in their penultimate game.

Bobby Kamwa missed an injury-time penalty, before scoring the decisive goal three minutes later in the 108th minute to delight the County faithful.

Despite the significance of the three points, Fuchs has called for calm from his players heading into Saturday.

"If you just take a step back, take a breath and just focus on the game plan and what you need to do. If you focus on that and just be calm and composed, things will be fine," added the former Austria international.

"Every single game is a pressure situation but it's also a privilege to be in that situation and this group has dealt with it really well this season."

The away side will be backed by a sold-out away end of 930 Exiles fans making the 270-mile trip to Cumbria.

Fuchs is full of praise for their backing.

"The support was incredible at Cheltenham as well and it just shows how dedicated our fans are, because that's a very long trip to Barrow," he said.

"It feels really good and I think the fans taking this trip, they deserve to walk away with three points."

After a torrid season, we asked you whether Newport County can avoid relegation to the National League in Saturday's 2025-26 finale against fellow strugglers Barrow. Tranmere, Crawley and Harrogate are also in the relegation mix.

Here are some of your views.

Ade: There have been games where we definitely deserved more. Last week was a great result where we battled for our lives. I think we have enough to stay up if we turn up Saturday and finish the job.

Carl: If we do manage to pull it off, fantastic. But this season must go down as a season of very big mistakes made and [we must] learn from them. We cannot afford to be in a similar situation next season. Much better recruitment needed and a tried and tested manager who has worked in the league, someone that has the knowledge and experience to do battle with this division and understands the value of what is needed.

David: If they play like they did against Oldham on Saturday then they will be safe, if they don't turn up it then depends on how the other teams do.

Stephen: We definitely have enough to survive. I think we'll beat Barrow, but Crawley will lose to Salford anyway imo. But we can't take that risk so go for the win.

Steve: I have a terrible feeling that Barrow will go, along with Crawley or Newport, probably Newport. We cannot get away from the fact that Newport cannot defend and cannot score many goals. I'm sorry!

Terry: Final-day deciders are not for the faint-hearted and doubtless Saturday will be another nerve-jangler. The only certainty is Barrow cannot catch Newport, but they can certainly be responsible for dragging them into the drop zone. I take the Exiles to survive, but fear for them should they not. Up the COUNTY!!

Russell: It's been an awful season, on and off the pitch. Our decline has been over a number of years, it's really not surprising we are in the position we are in today. However, we do have hope, which is a far cry from where we were before Christmas. Some astute signings have brought the best out of what can be only described as a less than mediocre squad. But we are where we are, it's in our hands, which is important, but can we do it? My best guess is that we will have to leave it in others' hands, especially when you see whose running the Barrow team, [Sam] Foley and [Graham] Coughlan, [our] ex-player & manager. Depending on the circumstances they left the club, they will be keen to put one over on us! If we do survive, then there has to be a determination of the trust and the other 21% of the shareholding for us to move forward. That will hopefully provide the investment we need to survive. As a supporter for over 50 years I can't go through this type of season again! We can do it. We will not be in existence for long if we get relegated, there will be no coming back this time, after all it took 25 years the last time!

Image source, BBC Sport

Will a torrid season have a sorry ending, or can Newport County round off 2025-26 by securing their EFL status for another year?

The Exiles' League Two survival bid has all come down to this weekend's final-day trip to fellow strugglers Barrow.

As it stands, Christian Fuchs' team are two places and one point above the relegation zone following last weekend's thrilling home win over Oldham, meaning it is all to play for heading into what promises to be a nerve-jangling final round of fixtures.

So will Newport survive? Have you seen enough from Fuchs' team to believe they can stay up? Or are you fearing the worst?

We want to know what you think - let us know your thoughts by clicking here.

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Former Newport County winger Robbie Willmott has been appointed manager of Cymru South club Newport City.

Willmott. who had two spells at County, also played in two separate stints for Cambridge United as well as playing for Luton Town.

The 35-year-old joined Cymru Premier side Barry Town United in August 2024.

The ex-England C international announced his retirement from playing following Barry's defeat to Haverfordwest in the European play-offs.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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"It means the world."

Christian Fuchs barely needed to elaborate on what Newport County's dramatic late win over Oldham Athletic meant to everyone connected with the club.

"After the game, when you walk on the pitch and seeing what's possible here – the fans, the spirit, everybody together, everybody loud - it was an incredible moment for us," said the Exiles boss.

Bobby Kamwa's 108th minute winner sparked scenes of ecstasy at Rodney Parade.

The Exiles moved a step closer to League Two safety with just their sixth home win of the season, prompting jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.

Yet inside the camp, there is a clear understanding that the job is far from finished.

Newport head into the final day sitting just one point above the relegation zone, knowing everything is still on the line.

This was clear in match-winner Kamwa's mind.

"It was a great result but we're not going to get carried away," said the 26-year-old goal-scoring hero.

"The job's not fully done yet. We go again and we're ready to go to Barrow and give it our all and hopefully put it to bed there."

Fuchs shares that same outlook.

Having arrived at Rodney Parade in November with Newport rooted to the foot of the table, the former Premier League winner with Leicester has managed to galvanise Newport to ensure survival remains in their own hands

They travel to bottom-club Barrow on Saturday, 2 May (15:00 BST) knowing any two of five sides can still be relegated.

"We know it's going to be a tough game," said Fuchs of the final day trip to Cumbria.

"Barrow still have something to play for, they can still make it, so we are aware of that but we need to get points on the board still ourselves.

"So, we go there to perform really well, that's the bottom line. Even though you're on a big high I know at the same time we still need to prepare for the next game."

Former Newport County captain Mark O'Brien said Saturday's dramatic 3-2 win over Oldham reduced him to tears.

O'Brien, who scored the winner nine years ago in County's last 'Great Escape', told Radio Wales Breakfast it is massively important the club have their fate in their own hands going into the final game of the season.

A win at Barrow on Saturday will guarantee the Exile's EFL survival, while a draw, or even a defeat, could also be enough to remain in League Two depending on results elsewhere.

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Owain Tudur Jones feels Newport County's character proved decisive as they won a "bonkers" game against Oldham Athletic.

The Exiles came from behind to earn a crucial 3-2 win against the Latics in their final home fixture of the season.

They appeared destined to have to settle for a point when Bobby Kamwa - scorer of his side's opening goal - missed a penalty in the 15th minute of added time.

But the 26-year-old scored a vital winner just three minutes later to spark wild scenes of celebration at Rodney Parade as Newport rose to 21st place - two places and a point clear of the relegation zone before the final day contest with bottom side Barrow on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"It was incredible. The one word I'd use to describe the game is bonkers," former Wales international Jones told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast.

"The man who scored the goal, Bobby Kamwa, after 108 minutes, he'd just missed the penalty minutes earlier and everyone was thinking Newport's hopes have disappeared and that they're going down.

"To have the character to keep going, the atmosphere in the stadium was like someone had put a pin into a balloon, the energy had totally disappeared.

"To find the energy and the strength to create one more chance and score that goal, and now it's in their hands travelling up to Barrow.

"It promises to be a weekend and a half, and what it's done, it's dragged in other teams like Crawley and Tranmere. It promises to be exciting."

Victory over Oldham means Newport's destiny is in their own hands when it comes to their trip to Barrow at the weekend.

A win against the Bluebirds will guarantee that Christian Fuchs' side will be in League Two next season, although a draw, or even a defeat, could also be enough to remain in the Football League depending on results elsewhere.

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Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts says Christian Fuchs could be a contender to join a new-look Leicester City coaching staff this summer.

Fuchs' immediate focus is on trying to save Newport County from relegation to the National League.

Whatever happens to the Exiles, Roberts believes fellow former Leicester player Fuchs – a Premier League title winner in 2016 - could be on the Foxes' radar following their relegation from the Championship.

Current Leicester boss Gary Rowett was appointed in February on a short-term deal running until the end of this season.

And after relegation was confirmed in midweek, there has been speculation about who might be in charge at the King Power Stadium come the start of the 2026-27 season.

"Christian Fuchs was a massive part of what they achieved in 2016 - he is so well regarded at the football club," Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"I have seen him mentioned going back with Wes Morgan, the captain of that [Premier League title-winning] year.

"Maybe it takes something like that, two players who are really well liked and know the club, to sort things out."

For the moment, Fuchs is concentrating on trying to save Newport from the drop.

The Exiles are one place above the League Two relegation places with two games remaining this season, the first of which is against mid-table Oldham Athletic at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 BST).

A win over Oldham could be enough to ensure Newport's survival depending on results elsewhere.

"I was there when they beat Notts County [to stay up in 2017]," Roberts added.

"The scenes when the final whistle went were quite incredible. Hopefully it will be the same on Saturday."

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Christian Fuchs says Newport County "will get up again" following defeat at Cheltenham Town as they look to avoid relegation to the National League.

The Exiles' League Two survival hopes suffered a blow as they lost to a late Cheltenham goal at Whaddon Road last weekend.

Newport are just a point and a place above the drop zone with two games remaining this season - but Fuchs insists there is "100% belief in this team".

"It's a situation that we have dealt with many times, where we fall down and we get up again, we roll up our sleeves and we keep going," the Newport boss added.

"We have shown a lot of quality throughout the season already, and if there will be changes, it's too early to say."

The Austrian's side have flirted with relegation throughout the season and now face two huge fixtures.

They host Oldham on Saturday (15:00 BST) before a trip to Barrow, the side who currently sit 23rd in the table, on the final day.

Fuchs says his players must stay focused if they are to get the points they need to survive.

"We'll try to be creative, but it's about the freshness and the mental freshness of the players," said Fuchs.

"It's been a long season and now, when it comes down to the wire, we need to have fresh minds on the pitch to execute."

The former Premier League winner hopes Newport fans will play their part in the game against mid-table Oldham.

"They have been incredible this season, all season long already, the way they supported us." Fuchs said.

"I hope they will come en masse like they did at Cheltenham, show great support and have our back."