Fuchs hoping to build Newport momentum at Gillingham

Story by[]Luke Hemmings - BBC Sport WalesFri, January 16, 2026 at 5:24 AM UTC·2 min readNewport County travel to Gillingham on Saturday 17 January (15:00 GMT) having managed to finally secure their first home win of the season against Crewe in their final match of 2025. It was a result County boss Christian Fuchs described as "not only a rock, but it's like a mountain falling off your shoulders". AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"We always look at the first home win, but I'm looking at those last seven or eight league games where the performances have steadily improved."The improvement was seen in their most recent outing to league leaders Bromley, a narrow 2-1 defeat. Fuchs said: "Going to Bromley, top of the table, and being disappointed after the game that we didn't win. That was not the mentality when I came in here."Now, we go into every game to win. That's the part that will get us where we want to be and that makes me really happy."Having not played for 17 days - because of weather and FA Cup postponements - Fuchs has focused on togetherness within his team, a fundamental part of the recent upturn of performances. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe revealed the players had a "nice spa retreat for team building and team bonding". Fuch's side face 16th-placed Gillingham at Priestfield with the Exiles knowing a result could lift them off the foot of the League Two table. The hosts go into the game off the back of their own stuttering form, winless since 8 November. Newport have won five of their last six encounters against the Kent club, with their most recent victory coming in the first round of the FA Cup via penalties earlier this season. County supporters will be optimistic given the club's recent activity in the January transfer window. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Exiles have secured the permanent signing of James Crole from Cymru Premier side Penybont and three loan signings with Tanatswa Nyakuhwa from Cardiff, Ryan Delaney from Swindon and Harrison Biggins from fellow strugglers Shrewsbury. The signings mean for the first time this season Fuchs has genuine depth to choose from."I've got decisions to make, but they are good decisions.