Nelson Jardim: Newport County getting ready for League Two

The Exiles enjoyed a 2-0 win over a youthful Bristol Rovers XI at the Gas’ training base on Tuesday afternoon thanks to an own goal and a Courtney Baker-Richardson effort.

They have one more tune-up at Hereford on Saturday before the real stuff starts at Cheltenham on August 10.

County, who are still without influential midfielder Bryn Morris and forward Will Evans because of injury, have had disappointing defeats to Barry Town United and Kidderminster this summer.

However, head coach Jardim is pleased with what he has seen from his new-look squad, who are also working towards a different, possession-based style.

BUILDING: County's Aaron Wildig and Kiban Rai in pre-season action (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

“We knew that the new players would take time to adapt but I think everything is gradually to come together now,” said Jardim, who has replaced manager Graham Coughlan.

“It was a really good game but most importantly the boys got more minutes in their tanks and are really starting to look ready for the season ahead.

“I thought it was a clear improvement from Saturday’s performance [at Kidderminster] and obviously a win puts us in a good position for the game against Hereford on Saturday, which we know will be difficult, but a good test for us.

“As a coaching team we’ve been working hard at developing different patterns over the past few games.

“We want to get the boys in the same mindset throughout the game and we do this by implementing a style of play that’s suits the squad best.

“We have spent our time working on passing patterns and the timings of certain moves to put us in the best position to score goals.”

BOSS: Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

Jardim is working with a squad that features 11 summer signings, the majority building for a first taste of the EFL.

The Portuguese boss has hailed a pair of experienced campaigners for helping the new boys settle in the build-up to the Whaddon Road opener.

“The results are important in these games but the most crucial aspects of these games is the team’s performances, especially with the amount of young talent we have in our squad,” said Jardim.

“I made it a personal goal of mine to take the first few games to get to know the boys but also for them to get to know me, and you can see today that we are building together well.

“I would definitely say there is something special in this squad and we are building a strong squad together with good cohesion.

“It is important for us to build great relationships all throughout the squad and I’ve got to say Clarkey [James Clarke] and Aaron Wildig have helped me so much.

"They’re just brilliant at making sure everyone feels welcome and that everyone is bonding.”