The Opposition View: Newport County

Last updated : 15 October 2015 By Jim Bonner

What's your assessment of Newport's season so far and why has everything gone wrong?

We have been unlucky at times in some of the games but in others we've been an utter shambles. Butcher's last game in charge was a prime example; we needed to find goals he left attacking players on the bench.

I think it would be easy to pinpoint the fact that our playing budget was significantly reduced from previous seasons and with the revolving door we were always going to struggle this season, but I don't think any of us would have predicted just how bad the struggle would have been.

Do you think Terry Butcher deserved to get sacked and what do you make of John Sheridan as his replacement?

I think Butcher had to go after the Crawley game. With the fans' takeover happening after the game, it was the best time to do so. Sheridan was rumoured to be his replacement as soon as the sacking was announced so it wasn't unexpected. He's got experience at this level which is what we need in a time of need. I am hopeful that experience will help gel the team together and keep us in the division.

What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of your team?

Aaron Collins has been one of very few bright players this season so far so I think he'll cause some problems and Mark Byrne is very good in the middle of the park. Scoring goals has been our big weakness this season so far but we can hope that will change soon, I'm confident of that.

What do you make of the current Portsmouth squad?

When you got Cook from Chesterfield I just knew he would bring in quality with him, and he hasn't proved me wrong. I believe you've got one of, if not, the strongest squad in the division with arguably the best manager in the division too. Matt Tubbs is an old adversary of Newport so no doubt he'll be the one player to score against us.

What kind of game can we expect at Rodney Parade on Saturday and would you take a draw now if offered?

You'll see a spirited Newport performance from players still trying to impress the new manager. It's still hard to tell what formation Sheridan will play. I'd happily take a point if it was offered now.

Predict the outcome of the game.

I predict a score draw, 1-1