Lee Jenkins says Hayden Mullins deserves more credit for Newport County's dramatic improvement in form. The defender's comments come as the Exiles prepare to host Chesterfield on Friday, buoyed by a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Newport County sit 16th in League Two on 15 points after 13 games, with three wins, six draws and four losses.
Jenkins, a key figure in the backline, was clear about the manager's impact. "He's definitely not been given the credit he deserves," Jenkins said. The team's current streak includes seven consecutive League Two fixtures without defeat, a stark contrast to the struggles of last season which ended with survival secured only on the final day.
Mullins himself pointed to the growing belief within his squad as the foundation for their progress. "The belief in the group now is right up there," the Newport County manager told reporters. He added that the credit belongs to the players who execute the plans. "We're attacking every game, we're in every game and we look strong in every game," Mullins said.
That resilience was tested in recent draws against York and Rotherham. Mullins noted individual errors in those games, including a penalty conceded within three minutes against Rotherham, but highlighted the experienced players who helped the team recover. Newport County currently sit 16th in League Two with 15 points from 13 games, having scored and conceded 16 goals. Their recent form of one win, three draws and one loss from the last five games includes the 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham last Saturday 24 October, a 2-2 draw at Rotherham on Tuesday 20 October where Harrison Biggins and Gerard Garner scored, and a 1-1 draw with York on Saturday 17 October.
Facing a tough run
The unbeaten sequence faces a significant test against Chesterfield, who are seventh in the table, at home on Friday 30 October. Mullins acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We're in the middle of a really tough run, so we're expecting a tough game," he said.
Despite that setback, the broader pattern under Mullins, appointed to bring stability after a period of frequent managerial change, has been overwhelmingly positive. The team's recent results show one win, three draws and one loss from their last five outings. They are 13 points behind the league leaders, Salford City.
Newport County now turn their focus to Rodney Parade for the visit of Chesterfield. A positive result would solidify their mid-table position and continue the momentum built during this impressive unbeaten spell.
