Coughlan issues warning over players’ futures
NEWPORT COUNTY manager Graham Coughlan has warned his players that they are playing for their futures after admitting that a six-game losing streak has led him to reassess his summer plans,
Coughlan had previously indicated that he wanted to retain the core of the squad that took the club to within two points of the League Two playoffs last month.
But, since a 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon on March 16, County have slumped to 16th in the table after an alarming run of defeats to Barrow, Colchester United, Crawley Town, Grimsby Town, Accrington Stanley and Tranmere Rovers.
And those defeats, coupled with lacklustre performances, have caused Coughlan to think again as he prepares for next season.
“I am not in talks with anyone over next year. To be honest, the last couple of weeks has been a little bit different,” said the Exiles boss, whose side host fellow strugglers Salford City in their final home game of the campaign this afternoon.
“It has been tough viewing; I’ve looked at one or two players and I have kept changing my mind on them.
“The players still have everything to play for and if people want to be at the club next season and progress with us then they have got to start producing and bringing about better results than the last few games.”
County are aiming to avoid matching the eight successive defeats they suffered under Graham Westley in the 2016-2017 season.
“I knew in my mind what I wanted to do but the last six weeks hasn’t been good,” added Coughlan.
“When the chips are down and when you are up against it, you look in their eyes and see how badly they really want it.
“There was a process that we were going to go down, but you do change your mind – do I judge the players up to March 16 or on the last six games?
“I can’t get over the fact that I am a manager who has been really hurt by the last six games, I don’t like what I have seen from my team.
“Is it time for a whole new approach and fresh faces or is it a time to sit back reflect and think that this group got us to two points off the play-offs?
“I do have a lot of thinking to do on a lot of people and a lot of issues, but I will sit down with each and every player at the end of the season, look them in the eye and have a professional, personal conversation.”
After today’s home clash with Salford at Rodney Parade, County finish the season with a trip to Bradford City next Saturday.