Christian Fuchs: The right man to guide Newport County to safety?

Former Newport County defender Mark O’Brien knows first-hand what it takes to succeed in a relegation battle.

Back in the 2016-17 seasons, County were 11 points adrift of safety in March, but five wins from the final seven league games saw Newport survive.

The season went down to the final game, when O’Brien scored his first goal for Newport in the 89th minute to seal a 2-1 win over Notts County.

O’Brien says Fuchs’ history of also pulling off seemingly impossible successes could be key for Newport.

“I think Fuchs has the potential to bring Newport out of this rut,” said O’Brien.

“He comes from a very good background with very good changing rooms, he understands what it takes in terms of togetherness to pull off the impossible.

“He has the opportunity, but drastic changes need to happen in the squad.

“I just hope he can make enough of an impact before January, then hopefully change up the squad and pick up the results need to keep the club safe.”

Former Newport County and Wales defender Jason Perry says the city “cannot afford” to see the club relegated to the National League.

“I never want to write a new manager off before he starts, but it is a tough ask,” said Perry.

“He is a manager with little experience and at best limited knowledge of League Two, working with a squad of players picked by someone else.

“Could you understand the timing and reasons why the club brought [Graham] Coughlan in? Yes. Does this appointment look as well thought out and an obvious choice? No.

“Only time will tell and hopefully he will be a success, but we all agree on one thing – Newport County and the city of Newport cannot afford for this club to be relegated.”