With two games of the 2025-26 campaign already played, new Exiles boss David Hughes will be more than pleased with Newport County's efforts so far.
A penalty shootout victory over Barnet in the preliminary round of the EFL Cup following a 2-2 draw in regular time was followed by an encouraging League Two opener that saw his side draw 1-1 with a Notts County side who are among the likely contenders to gain promotion into the third tier.
Their first away league outing of the season sees Hughes take his side to Crawley Town - who were thumped 3-0 in their opener against Grimsby Town.
A positive result against Scott Lindsey's men would help maintain the positive mood around Rodney Parade following what have been some more turbulent spells under Nelson Jardim and Graham Coughlan.
But a man as experienced as Hughes - formerly professional development phase coach at Manchester United - is only too aware that there is still plenty of work to be done when it comes to recruitment and developing a playing style.
As has so often been the case over recent years, Newport have successfully collaborated with their neighbours in the south to bring in striker Michael Reindorf on loan from Cardiff City and versatile central midfielder Ben Lloyd from Swansea City until January.
Add the arrivals of Wales international Matt Smith, Manchester United right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, goalkeeper Nik Tzanev, forward Ged Garner, centre-back Lee Jenkins and goalkeeper Jordan Wright and the Exiles can be more than pleased with their efforts in the summer window so far.
But the need to further strengthen remains, particularly following the gut-wrenching news that midfielder Keenan Patten is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a leg fracture in his side's pre-season friendly against Bristol City in July.
"We are looking to add some further numbers and not just numbers, but they've got to be quality," Hughes said after the draw with Notts County.
"The conversations we've had with the chairman [Huw Jenkins] have always been positive."
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As for Hughes' methods, the Notts County contest showed it is still a work in progress.
Newport had just 31% possession against the Magpies - while summer capture Garner scored with his side's only shot on target.
They were more direct than Martin Paterson's side, with 27% of their 210 passes being long. With 473 passes in total, Notts County made more than double the amount of passes than the hosts at Rodney Parade.
Again, it must be emphasised that Newport were facing one of the stronger sides in the division while it is just one game in isolation.
Over time, Hughes will bid to implement his style as new faces look to gel and, hopefully, further quality additions arrive.
It comes after the 47-year-old boss stated he had full confidence in his squad ahead of his debut campaign at the club.
But what exactly will constitute progress, or even success this season?
Having finished one place above the relegation zone in 22nd last season under Jardim, chairman Jenkins will undoubtedly hope for more stability this season.
David Hughes. Pic: Alamy
The away record simply has to improve after the Exiles won just three of their 23 league fixtures on the road last time out, the worst tally in the division while their points total of 14 from those fixtures was the joint-worst in the fourth tier.
Newport must also plug their leaky defence having conceded a league high of 76 goals last season.
Given Hughes' experience and contacts in the game, Jenkins will likely have plenty of faith that his side can improve over the coming year, although he will be fully aware that the Wrexham-born former defender needs time and backing to elevate the team towards the upper echelons of League Two.
So the reality appears to be that the Newport faithful can expect another campaign of ups and downs, although following a largely frustrating 'one step forward, two steps back' kind of year under Jardim, the 2025-26 season can hopefully represent the beginning of an upturn for the club.
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