Newport County

Newport County Association Football Club, often referred to as simply Newport County, is a professional football club based in Newport, South Wales. The club competes in the English Football League (EFL) system, despite being located in Wales, a testament to its historical and cultural ties with English football.

The club was originally founded in 1912 and joined the English Football League in 1920. Newport County enjoyed its most successful period in the 1930s, reaching the heights of the Second Division. However, the post-war years were less kind to the club, and they spent much of the latter half of the 20th century in the lower tiers of the English football system.

The club's existence was threatened in 1989 when they were declared bankrupt and demoted from the Football League. However, a group of dedicated supporters refused to let the club die and reformed it later that year. The reformed club started life in the Hellenic League, several tiers below the Football League, but quickly climbed back up the football pyramid.

Newport County's return to the Football League in 2013, after a 25-year absence, is one of the most remarkable comeback stories in English football. The club secured its place in League Two, the fourth tier of English football, by winning the Conference Premier playoffs.

Since their return to the Football League, Newport County has continued to defy the odds. In the 2018-19 season, they reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 70 years, defeating Premier League side Leicester City and Championship side Middlesbrough along the way. The club also reached the League Two playoff final in the same season, narrowly missing out on promotion to League One.

Newport County's home ground is Rodney Parade, which they share with the Newport Gwent Dragons rugby union team and Newport RFC rugby club. The stadium, located in the heart of Newport, has a capacity of just over 7,000 and is known for its passionate and vocal home support.

Despite the ups and downs, Newport County remains a vital part of the local community. The club is owned by the Newport County AFC Supporters' Trust, ensuring that the fans have a say in its future. The club's youth academy is also highly regarded, producing several players who have gone on to play at a higher level.

In conclusion, Newport County is a club with a rich history and a strong connection to its community. Despite the challenges it has faced, the club has shown remarkable resilience and continues to compete in the English Football League, much to the delight of its loyal supporters.