Mullins vows to build aggressive County side

Newport County boss Hayden Mullins has pledged to put substance before style in uncompromising League Two. The Exiles have appointed Mullins as their manager after the sudden departure of Christian Fuchs in June. The Austrian left after guiding County to survival on the final day of 2025-26, while the club finished in the last safe spot the previous campaign under Nelson Jardim after ending on a nine-game winless streak. Newport's recent placings and their small budget means they will start among the favourites for the drop, but Mullins believes he can develop a successful style. "I am not going to come in and try to be an all conquering, possession-based manager in League Two and think I will dominate that way," said the former midfielder, who had a spell in charge of Colchester. "I am real and know what the league looks like – it's tough and we need the fans on board. My job is giving them a team they are proud of and that they can back. "We will be attacking, front foot, press the opposition and look to hurt them. We will be exciting, expansive and competitive." Mullins was in the County dugout for the first time on Saturday for a 2-1 win at Yeovil. The new boss was quick to pass the credit to coach Chris Todd, who had stepped up as interim manager. Mullins said: "I didn't really know Chris, but I've heard really good things about him and he's made me feel really welcome. "He knows all the players inside out, so I've been leaning on him a lot. "He took the session on Friday and prepared the boys for Yeovil, so all of that out there was Chris' work. He's done fantastic work." The Exiles have a glamour friendly against Roma at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 4 August (19:00 BST), with the Italian giants reeling from being humbled 4-1 by Cardiff City on Saturday. County's first competitive game is at AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST), with a home League Two opener against Rochdale seven days later. Latest Newport County news, analysis and fan views