Liam Shephard delighted to be back 'home' at Newport County
That was his first game after returning from Salford City and now he's relishing the prospect of having the full backing of the Newport crowd - something he didn't experience in the 2020-2021 campaign.
"I'm looking forward to is being able to play in front of the Newport County fans, because my first spell was during the Covid season, so I never really got to have that full experience of representing the club," he said. "I'm really looking forward to that.
"I'm buzzing to be back. We've been speaking pretty much throughout the off-season. It's been a bit frustrating at times, but we finally got a deal done.
"It makes sense for me to come home after four years and I'm happy," added the former Swansea City defender, whose previous Exiles spell ended in defeat by Morecambe in the League Two play-off final at Wembley in May 2021.
"When I was here last time it was such a good group. I didn't really want to leave, but there were circumstances that will stay between me and the people in charge at the time.
"I'm just happy to be back and hopefully we can do something similar to that this season, or maybe next season."
(Image: Gareth Everett) County are unbeaten under new manager David Hughes so far, having won on penalties at Barnet in the Carabao Cup and drawn at home against Notts County before Saturday's win at Crawley thanks to goals from Shephard and Kai Whitmore.
"Anything can happen in League Two, but there are only two games gone - the boys have only been together for six weeks," said Shephard. "We'll get a better idea around Christmas time, but the more we play together the better the understanding and relationships and things will start to flourish.
"No one is getting carried away, the boys just need to be willing to improve every game and every training session and, if that's the mindset we have, then we can go wherever we want to go."
Hughes is delighted with what 30-year-old Shephard has added to the squad.
"We're really pleased for Liam," said the Exiles boss. "It's great for him to get a goal, great for him to get 90 minutes in his legs, but more importantly we've brought another outstanding professional [to the club] who understands what good behaviours and good habits look like.
"We're a young squad so the experienced players [like Liam] have a lot to give to the group in terms of talking young players through games and helping them understand what success looks like on a daily basis."
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