Newport sign Dibley-Dias on loan from Fulham

Matt Dibley-Dias was born in New Zealand, joining Fulham aged 14 [Newport County] Newport County have signed Fulham midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias on a short-term loan. The 22-year-old is reunited with Hayden Mullins, the Exiles head coach who was previously in charge of Fulham's under-21 side. Dibley-Dias, Newport's 11th signing this summer, made 31 appearances across two seasons under Mullins and was part of the side that lifted the Premier League Cup in 2023-24. Since joining Fulham at the age of 14, Dibley-Dias has also been named in first-team matchday squads on four occasions for the Cottagers. The midfielder signed his first professional contract in 2021 and is highly-thought of among Fulham's academy having won Johnny Haynes Academy Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season. Dibley-Dias spent last season out on loan, featuring five times for League Two side Chesterfield during the first half of the campaign before joining National League outfit Braintree Town, where he made eight appearances - contributing one assist. He also had a loan spell at Northampton Town in 2024-25. His arrival provides Mullins with further midfield competition following the summer additions of Harrison Biggins and Kieron Evans. He will hope to help County build on their positive start to League Two and could make his debut when Mullins' team host Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 BST). Latest Newport County news, analysis and fan views Listen to the latest Newport County interviews, news and discussion on BBC Sounds