Newport County are hopeful of remaining at their Rodney Parade home for the long term.
The Newport Stadium’s owners, the rugby union Dragons, are negotiating a new ten-year lease with the League Two club.
Since 2012, the Exiles have held home games at the iconic rugby stadium; however, their contract expired at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 campaign.
Huw Jenkins, the chairman of the Exiles since January 2024 (he took over from Swansea City), disclosed the plan. Jenkins had stated in January that preliminary discussions on a new lease had started.
In an email to supporters, Jenkins wrote, “We are… continuing our discussions with the Dragons, our landlords and partners at Rodney Parade, over a new 10-year lease which must be in place under EFL rules by season 25-26.”
“We both need each other if professional sport is to be successful in Newport, a must for the city, and we hope to give you some more news soon as it will be a major milestone for the club to secure its long-term future.”
Jenkins also disclosed that the team would prioritise young players with potential, a strategy previously indicated by the exits of Newport’s longest-serving players, 30-year-old attacker Omar Bogle, and 33-year-old defender Scot Bennett.
“It’s crucial that the decisions we make fit within the club’s medium-term ambitions where age, experience, talent and ambition are considered carefully before any player comes in or goes out of the club,” Jenkins stated.
“We must have guts and drastically reduce the squad’s age. Starting with Newport, we need to take a chance on younger players who may not have a tonne of experience but are eager to take a chance and succeed in the professional game.
“We already have a number of signings agreed, but obviously we can’t confirm most things until the window opens on June 14.”
