Newport County appointed Hayden Mullins as boss on Friday 31 July, and he said supporters were given an early glimpse of how his side will play despite the Exiles losing 4-1 to Italian giants Roma at a sold-out Rodney Parade. The scoreline eventually reflected the gap between a League Two side and Champions League opposition, but Newport were not overawed by their visitors.
Mullins said he was encouraged by what he saw in his first home game in charge.
"I've had one training session and two games with the boys, but a lot of the spirit, the endeavour, the hard work is definitely what we're going to need.
"While I'm here, we'll be setting up to win every game. Honestly, I think we've got to be front-footed."
How did Newport start against Roma?
Newport, enthused by the home crowd, made a fearless start and could easily have taken the lead. Harrison Biggins struck the crossbar with an audacious lob from the halfway line before Christian Doidge forced Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar into action.
Those chances gave Mullins hope as he felt his side more than matched their illustrious visitors during what he described as a positive first half.
"They're a Champions League team and I think we had the best chance of the first half," said Mullins.
"We had a clear one-on-one which we definitely thought we should have converted. That could have put us in the lead."
Roma, who arrived in South Wales looking to respond after their 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City days earlier, eventually showed their class. Newport, however, continued to compete throughout and were rewarded late on when Kyle Cameron headed home. It was a memorable moment for the bumper crowd and a goal Mullins said gives the Exiles belief that they can break down good sides.
What did the crowd and atmosphere mean to Mullins?
The atmosphere at Rodney Parade left a lasting impression on Newport's new boss, who believes a strong connection between the team and supporters will be vital if Newport are to fare better in League Two this campaign.
"I think they saw today a team that would run for them and give them everything they've got," he said.
"We know we need to give them something to cheer about. If we do, then they give us the noise and energy that the players feed off on the pitch."
After surviving relegation on the final day last season, Mullins is determined to ensure Newport are not involved in a similar battle this time around. Asked how he will make sure of that, he said:
"By making sure we're ready, making sure we work hard, making sure we fight for every inch on the football pitch.
"I think we're going to be organised and we're going to go about it in our own way. I think we've got to concentrate on us as a football club. We've got loads of strengths in the dressing room.
Instead of forgetting last season's struggles, Mullins has urged the players who were there to use the feeling as motivation.
"Last season, obviously, was a really, really tough one for everyone.
"I did ask the players who are still here now to try and bottle that feeling up at the end of the season because it's almost like a promotion. You've stayed up in the division. That feeling that you need to take into the season, we want to try and use that as fuel and know that we don't want to be in that position again."
More than anything, Mullins says fans have his will and determination to ensure County do not find themselves in a similar situation to last season.
"I've not come here to try and sit off," said Mullins.
"I've not come here to play academy football. I know how important it is to try and win football matches and set the team up to try and win games and that's what I try and do."
With the glamour of hosting Roma now behind them, Newport's attention turns to the competitive season ahead, which begins on Saturday 8 August when the League Two side take on AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup.
Key Facts
- Newport County appointed Hayden Mullins as boss on Friday 31 July.
- Newport lost 4-1 to Roma at a sold-out Rodney Parade.
- Harrison Biggins hit the crossbar with a lob from the halfway line, and Kyle Cameron later headed home.
- Newport begin the competitive season on Saturday 8 August against AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup.
