THE starting XI will be in big font on Newport County AFC’s social media graphics when their team is announced at 2pm, yet those in smaller letters further down are just as important for boss Nelson Jardim.
The Exiles boss has some welcome selection headaches for this afternoon’s clash with Port Vale at Rodney Parade in League Two (kick-off 3pm), mainly in the attacking part of the pitch.
Jardim rang the changes for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game against Cheltenham with a new look front five.
Striker Luke Jephcott led the line with Oliver Greaves, Noah Mawene and Kieron Evans in support and Jamie Miley in midfield.
They were impressive in a lively first half performance before a red card for goalkeeper Jacob Carney changed the game and ultimately helped Cheltenham take the spoils 2-1.
Jardim was also able to give a debut to giant loan striker Kyle Hudlin in the second half and, after Kiban Rai was an unused substitute against Morecambe and Cheltenham, will disappoint some players when selecting his 18-man squad to face the Valiants.
After the 1-0 win at Morecambe last weekend, it will be a surprise if Bryn Morris, Cameron Antwi and Aaron Wildig don’t return in midfield with Bobby Kamwa in support of striker Courtney Baker-Richardson.
However, Jardim has the ability to change things up and will want to finish strongly against their visitors from the Potteries, whether chasing the game or seeing it out.
“One of my main quotes is that sometimes you need the best XI to finish the game because we know how things can go in the last 15 to 20 minutes,” said the head coach.
“I cannot say when preparing for the game who will finish it, I just make sure we can finish strongly because that is when things can happen.
“That is the purpose of having depth in the squad. On Tuesday they were supported by the defenders who gave them a platform to express themselves and play good football.”
Jardim is an experienced operator in the EFL after spells with Swansea and Birmingham but is now the man calling the shots after debates with his coaching staff.
“It’s just having the responsibility to make the decisions. The process is nothing new for me, I have been doing it for 20 years,” he said.
“I will not get everything right but when you have a process and the information then you will take the best decisions that you can.”
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