"PENALISED FOR BEING SENSIBLE"
"By GRAHAM CLUTTON"
"Chief Rugby Writer, Western Mail"
"VERY SELDOM does a top flight club, Newport in this case, get any sympathy from those lower down the Welsh rugby ladder."
"This season, the Black-and-Ambers of Rodney Parade have the backing of many clubs throughout Wales. Okay, so they wasted a grand or 75 back in the early '90's, but their sensible approach to this most controversial of seasons could backfire if results go against them in the final month."
"Because while others spent money they didn't have during the summer, in preparation for the European season and in order to prevent even greater exodus of leading players, so Newport watched their leading players fly the nest."
" "We were not prepared to pay the kind of money that players were asking and to put our club in financial trouble. "However, we are now being penalised for that approach and it is very disappointing," said chairman David Watkins."
"Watkins and rugby director (part time) Tommy David have done a splendid job in stabilising the position this season and players have already been put on contract in preparation for next."
"But still with eight games remaining and the jostling for position becoming ever greater, it is with considerable concern that the Gwent club arrives in the capital for tonight's difficult derby clash."
"Steve Jones and Stan Liptrot, the club coaches and two of the more frustrated members of the First Division coaching union, have played their part in keeping the club's playing record in credit and, had it not been for a handful of early season defeats, a place in the Heineken Cup next season would have been within sight."
"Still, they are now concerned with keeping the club in the top flight and hope to begin tonight with a welcome victory at the expense of Cardiff."
"Bonus points have been difficult to come by since the opening day, but without the likes of playmaker Gareth Rees, the since-departed Jason Hewlett, locks Kevin Moseley and Mike Voyle and other absentees such as Duncan Hughes and Richard Rees, it was never likely to be an easy campaign."
"So hats off to the aforementioned coaches in Jones and Liptrot, and to those players who have rallied round the management."
"Their reward will be a place in the top flight next term and for players like Richard Goodey, Shaun Connor, Nicky Lloyd, Rod Snow and Ian Jones, it will be a reward for their loyalty and collective determination to what might have, at one stage, looked a lost cause."
"Goodey has been an inspirational figure (between injuries) in the back row this term, helping to bring on the younger members of the pack in Mark Workman, Richard Parkes, Ian Gough and the Czech international Jan Machacek, while Lloyd's commitment and dedication to a job that has not always been terribly easy, has earned him a two year contract."
"Lloyd has done the rounds in the kindest sense of the meaning, Dunvant and Pontypridd being two of his clubs before finding a place in the Newport squad. It has provided a new lease of life at the base of more than competitive pack that lacks nothing in terms of enthusiasm."
" "We may not have the stars," said Tommy David, "but they play for each other and we have more than held our own against some very good sides". "
"The platform has given Lloyd and half-back partner Connor, a capture from Abertillery last year, the chance to show off their trickery and rugby talent. The latter even earned Wales under 21 and Emerging Wales recognition this season and, despite an inconsistency that Newport are bidding to eradicate, he has been a constant thorn."
"Diminutive, but lacking nothing in terms of pace, Connor possesses genuine space and an eye for the outside break. The ability to make that all important early yardage has given John Colderley, a former Blue-and-Black, the chance to display his qualities from centre. He too has earned himself a contract and with Mike Gosling, the Wales under 21 coach, showing him off at international level, the price on his head has risen dramatically."
"Injury to wing Martin Llewellyn has curtailed activity on the left wing in recent weeks, but neither Liptrot nor Jones are scared to pitch in the younger members of an ever-improving first team squad."
"Dale Burn was given his chance last week and, with next season's top flight clubs expected to field a Development team alongside its first team squad, the likes of Burn must be given an opportunity to stake their claim."
"The recruitment policy of the club has enabled local talent to shine this season, but over the summer months and providing First Division rugby is guaranteed for next season, Newport are sure to branch out in Wales and England to top up the quality at Rodney Parade."
"For the time being, however, they will hope for improved fortunes on the pitch starting with victory over the old enemy tonight. It will certainly not come easy but it will certainly not be for the want of trying."
"And with Sunday's SGM in mind there might be one or two more who are hoping for a Newport success."