Hatswell and Bennett give County another big boost
RODNEY PARADE 3pm
NEWPORT v SWINDON
THE good news keeps coming thick and fast for Newport County boss James Rowberry with the decision by coach Wayne Hatswell to extend his contract being followed by the return of Scot Bennett for today’s home clash with Swindon Town.
Hatswell took over as interim manager after Michael Flynn’s departure, leading them to an unbeaten run of four league games, and has now put pen to paper on an extension to his contract that will see him stay at Rodney Parade until at least the summer of 2024.
Rowberry indicated his desire to work with Flynn’s coaching team and said he was delighted to see Hatswell agree to a new deal.
“Wayne has signed extended terms which fall in line with mine. He has been vital in helping me settle in at the football club,” said Rowberry.
“He has played a key role at the club and I’m in a fortunate position to inherit a club that is built on solid foundations that he helped create. Our focus now is on doing all we can to take the club to the next level.”
So far, so good since he came into the club, although this weekend’s test will be arguably the biggest he has had since taking over from Flynn. The new look County have scored 10 goals in the three league games in which Rowberry has been in charge and have moved up to sixth place in the table.
That has put them level on points with Swindon, who were relegated from League One last season, although a superior goal difference has kept them ahead of the Robins.
When the two teams met in the EFL Trophy 11 days ago it was Swindon who came out on top 1-0.
But the likely return to firstteam action of the influential Bennett after nine weeks on the sidelines is going to give Rowberry greater options both in midfield and at the back, given the versatility of the 30-year-old Cornishman.
If he does return to the starting line-up it will be into a team full of confidence after their lastgasp win at Hartlepool last week. He will also be available at a time when County face three games in seven days.
“As a staff we do look ahead from a planning point of view to know what possible changes we might need to make along the way or tweaks of formation to try and exploit the opposition’s weaknesses,” said Rowberry.
“But I find it hard to look past Saturday because that is what I have done so far with the rest of the staff. We have a little break after Colchester because we are not in the FA Cup and it’s an important period.
“Let’s get the performance right and I talk a lot about doing what we do with regard to processes, but we want to win. Whether it’s a one-on-one battle, a header, a tackle, a race. “We have to come out on top.” Robbie Willmott should be back after his enforced COVID isolation break for Tuesday night’s trip to Crawley Town and for the Friday night clash at Colchester.