Newport County Association Football Club: Introduction

Newport County Association Football Club, commonly known as Newport County AFC, is a professional football club based in Newport, South Wales. Established in 1912, the club has a rich and storied history, playing an important role in Welsh football and the English Football League (EFL).

Currently, Newport County plays football in English League Two. Of course, the staff here at the Fanbase wish the club and supporters all the best for the future. Here’s a detailed look at various aspects of the club:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Newport County Football Club: History

• Formation and Early Years (1912–1930s):
  • Newport County AFC was founded in 1912, and they joined the Southern League before becoming a member of the Football League in 1920.
  • Their early years were marked by financial struggles and fluctuating league performances.
• Wartime and Post-War Success (1940s–1950s):
  • Like most clubs, World War II disrupted Newport County’s activities. They returned to competitive football afterward and managed moderate success.
  • The 1948-49 season was notable for Newport as they won promotion to the Second Division (then the second tier of English football).
• The European Adventure (1970s–1980s):
  • Newport County enjoyed one of their finest periods in the late 1970s and early 1980s under manager Len Ashurst.
  • They won the Welsh Cup in 1980, which qualified them for the European Cup Winners’ Cup, where they had a memorable run to the quarter-finals in 1981 before being eliminated by Carl Zeiss Jena of East Germany.
• Collapse and Reformation (1980s–1990s):
  • Financial mismanagement and poor results saw Newport relegated from the Football League in 1988, and the club went out of business shortly afterward.
  • In 1989, the club reformed as Newport AFC and began a long journey back up the football pyramid, starting in the Hellenic League (a low level of the English football system).
• Return to the Football League (2010s):
  • Newport finally regained Football League status in 2013 after winning the Conference Premier Play-Off Final under manager Justin Edinburgh. They beat Wrexham 2-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Newport County Football Club: Stadium

• Rodney Parade:
  • Newport County currently plays their home matches at Rodney Parade, a stadium shared with Newport Gwent Dragons (rugby union) and Newport RFC.
  • The stadium has a capacity of around 7,850 and is located in the heart of Newport.
  • Newport County moved to Rodney Parade in 2012, prior to which they played at Somerton Park and later on at Spytty Park after the reformation.
  • The atmosphere at the stadium can be very inviting when the club is performing well.

Achievements

• Domestic Success:
  • Newport County’s most significant domestic trophy is their Welsh Cup victory in 1980.
  • They were Conference South champions in 2009-2010, which helped them rise through the leagues.
• European Adventures:
  • Newport’s 1981 European Cup Winners’ Cup campaign remains one of the club’s most famous achievements, particularly for a club of their size. Reaching the quarter-finals of a European competition is still a cherished memory for fans.

They also won the FAW Premier Cup in 2008 and the Hellenic League Cup in 1990.

The club has won many minor cups in its history and the fans respect the achievements. Indeed, the Newport fans are very loyal to their beloved football team.

Recent Seasons and Performances

• Newport County has remained a stable force in the lower tiers of English football since their return to the Football League in 2013.
• In the 2018-19 season, Newport reached the League Two Play-Off Final, narrowly losing 1-0 to Tranmere Rovers in extra time.
• Newport has also made a name for itself in cup competitions in recent years, securing a number of memorable FA Cup upsets, including victories over higher-league teams like Leeds United, Leicester City, and Middlesbrough.

Notable Players and Managers

• Len Ashurst: As manager, Ashurst guided Newport to their greatest heights in the 1980s, including their famous European campaign.
• Justin Edinburgh: Managed the club to promotion back into the Football League in 2013 and the fans fondly remember him.
• John Aldridge: A former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker who played for Newport County early in his career before going on to bigger things.

Newport County Football Club: Culture and Rivalries

• Rivalries:
  • Newport County’s fiercest rival is Cardiff City, though they rarely play each other due to Cardiff’s position in higher leagues.
  • There is also a local rivalry with Bristol Rovers across the Severn River, as well as with Swindon Town, Cheltenham Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City.
• Fans:
  • Newport’s fanbase is passionate and resilient, having supported the club through its ups and downs. The fans played a crucial role in helping the club rebuild after it went out of business in 1989.

Current Status

• Newport County is currently competing in EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football.
• They are famous for their competitive spirit, strong cup runs, and a commitment to pushing for promotion to higher leagues.

Ownership

• Newport County is one of the few fan-owned football clubs in the UK. The Newport County Supporters Trust took control of the club in 2015, ensuring that it is run with the interests of the fans at heart.

Newport County Football Club: Nickname and Colours

• Nickname: The team is known as “The Exiles.” The nickname originates from the period in the late 1980s when the club was forced to play its home matches in the Gloucestershire town of Moreton-in-Marsh due to a lack of facilities in Newport.
• The club’s other nicknames are: The County, The Port, and The Ironsides.
• Club Colours: Their traditional home kit is amber and black.

In summary, Newport County AFC is a club with a remarkable history, filled with highs and lows, from European adventures to financial collapse and reformation. Today, they are a competitive team in English football, driven by their passionate fanbase and strong community ties.

Promote Newport County Football Club

The Football Fan Base will never let any footy supporter down! Indeed, we allow you to post what you like on the soccer blogs. This is on condition that what you post is relevant and legal, of course!

Go ahead and brag about Newport County because if you don’t, other supporters will put their team above yours!

**Information updated on September 7, 2024.