Cup of cheers as Exiles win improves Coughlan’s mood
NEWPORT County manager Graham Coughlan is savouring a morale-boosting victory over League One Charlton Athletic after revealing he’s been a “grumpy bear” during a difficult start to the new season.
After a testing pre-season and a recruitment drive hindered by budgetary constraints, County were beaten 3-0 in their League Two opener at Accrington Stanley last Saturday.
But they bounced back in impressive style at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night by recovering from a goal down to beat Charlton 3-1 in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Daniel Kanu put the visitors 1-0 up just before half-time, but second-half strikes from Aaron Wildig, Will Evans and Seb PalmerHoulden secured a second-round spot for the Exiles for the seventh successive season.
“I’m really pleased, and I’m delighted for the lads. They’ve had a tough couple of weeks. It’s not been easy,” said Coughlan.
“Nothing seems to have gone for us, and it was the same again in the first half with their goal.
“I told the lads at half-time, there’s no point in bemoaning our luck.
“We just have to get on with it and the harder you work, the luckier you get.
“I’ve been a grumpy bear for the last couple of weeks, so I’m going to savour the moment because winning in football is the best feeling you can have.”
Coughlan praised the impact of the home crowd at Rodney Parade in helping them to fight back against the Addicks.
“The fans were unbelievable, even when we went 1-0 down, the way they got right behind us,” said the Irishman.
“I’m trying to explain the club, the DNA and its principles to some of the new players, I don’t think I have to explain it after tonight. I think they’ve fully got it, and they know what the fans expect of them. There’s a great togetherness here.
“We know how important a cup run is to gain some finances,” added Coughlan. “The fans have been putting their hands in their pockets to help us and that was a big thank-you to them.
“Hopefully we can get a few quid in [through the cup run] to strengthen the squad.”
County return to league action on Saturday when they host Doncaster Rovers and Coughlan is hoping they can use the confidence from Tuesday’s win to earn a first three points of the campaign.
“The positive thing is that against Cheltenham in pre-season, Accrington and Charlton – three tough games – we have created chances,” said the Exiles boss.
“But one swallow doesn’t make a summer, let’s make it happen against on Saturday against Doncaster.
“We are a work in progress and have something to build on – we are here to win league games.”