Mullins ditches Fuchs’ survival tricks for substance at Newport County

Hayden Mullins’ appointment as Newport County manager signals a decisive shift from Christian Fuchs’ last‑minute survival tactics to a proactive, attacking approach, as the Exiles look to escape the League Two relegation zone. He has already delivered a 2‑1 victory over Yeovil, underscoring the new direction.

Mullins said he will not try to be an all‑conquering, possession‑based manager in League Two. “My job is giving them a team they are proud of and that they can back,” he explained, adding the side will be “attacking, front foot, press the opposition and look to hurt them.”

The former Colchester boss made his debut in the County dugout on Saturday, overseeing a 2‑1 victory at Yeovil. He quickly credited interim coach Chris Todd for the preparation, noting, “I didn’t really know Chris, but I’ve heard really good things about him and he’s made me feel really welcome.”

Christian Fuchs, the Austrian who departed in June, left after steering County to safety on the final day of the 2025‑26 season, his tenure defined by a last‑minute survival formula. The season before that, under Nelson Jardim, the club endured a nine‑game winless run before scraping into the last safe spot, highlighting the fragility of the Exiles’ position in League Two.

Newport’s next test is a glamour friendly against Roma at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 4 August (19:00 BST), with the Italian giants still reeling after a 4‑1 defeat to Cardiff City on Saturday. The Exiles’ first competitive fixture arrives on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST), a Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, followed a week later by a home League Two opener against Rochdale. Despite recent placings and a modest budget that make them favourites for the drop, Mullins insists fans will back an exciting, expansive and competitive team, aiming to lift the club beyond the relegation battle.