Newport County head coach Dave Hughes says he still believes he can turn around the League Two side's concerning run of results.
Newport County head coach Dave Hughes says he still believes he can turn around the League Two side's concerning run of results.
The Exiles have failed to win in their last seven league outings ahead, and head to Chesterfield on Saturday (15:00 BST) outside the relegation places only on goal difference.
But Hughes, who arrived at Rodney Parade from Manchester United's academy set-up this summer, has insisted supporters should not view the situation as a "crisis" and says he retains confidence County are close to coming out of their slump.
"My belief has never waned and it won't," said Hughes. "I firmly believe in what we're trying to do as a group of staff, in trying to create the environment we have for the players, for them to thrive and progress deliver performances that people enjoy watching and that deliver three points.
"So I'm absolutely 100% certain in what we're trying to do, back the staff and back the players to deliver that - and firmly believe that we are not far away."
Newport finished last season in wretched form with boss Nelson Jardim eventually axed by chairman Huw Jenkins.
But although another swathe of new signings followed last term's 22nd placed finish, Jenkins has been criticised by some fans for failing to add more experience to the squad.
Nevertheless, Hughes, a former defender with Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town, says he is "aware and expects" success to be judged by the results being picked up.
But he added; "I've said it to the players, it's definitely not a crisis. We've had some positives results, some positive performances – and in the last period some of those positive performances haven't delivered the outcome.
"Losing games really hurts, it hurts the players, hurts the staff… I haven't been able to manage not sleeping. I've not been able to manage not waking up in the middle of the night thinking about how are we missing anything? Is there anything different we need to do?
"So it's been a challenge but it's something that we're passionate about and that's definitely not wavered in what's been a tricky spell.
"And there's a belief amongst the group that if we get the next one we can build."
Category: General Sports
