Don't call it relegation battle - Newport boss Fuchs

Boss Christian Fuchs has dismissed the idea that Newport County are still in a relegation battle - even though the Exiles have been stuck in the bottom two ever since he arrived.

When Fuchs took over at County in November they were bottom of League Two and have stayed there for all but 17 days of his tenure.

But the former Leicester City defender insists the improvement in their home form - Saturday's 2-1 win over Chesterfield made it seven points from a possible nine at Rodney Parade - and their general play means they should no longer be seen as a team fighting against relegation.

"What relegation battle? There are 20 games left, no? Who's talking about a relegation battle?," said Fuchs.

"No. We're pushing forward. Look at our last eight games. The team has improved massively, they're working their socks off.

"When you go away to Bromley and you're more than competitive, having more possession, could easily go away with a point.

"When you go to Gillingham, where two individual mistakes cost us three points.

"I don't think that's a team that fights against relegation. Of course we're in the position (23rd) where we are right now, but the team looks way better than a team that should be at the bottom of the table."

Asked whether he was convinced Newport will survive in the Football League, Fuchs said: "Of course. Everybody's believing that.

"The basis of the belief is the work they are doing, working hard for it.

"'Relegation battle'....that's only because we are where we are right now, but the team has too much quality to be down there."

The win over Chesterfield lifted County off the bottom of League Two, one point from safety, ahead of the visit of Accrington on Tuesday, 27 January.

A third home win in a row could take Newport out of the drop zone for the first time since Fuchs replaced David Hughes in the hot seat.

"We've had seven points out of the last three home games. We have started some sort of a run at home," said Fuchs. "It's down to us and only down to us to continue that and keep pushing forward.

"Being at home, creating this fortress at home, which we're on a good way to doing, definitely means a lot. When you hear the fans having your back and chanting you forward that is so massive for us. Lifts you more and more.

"Fight for the ball, fight for every inch and run hard. Once the fans see that... then they have incredible support for us. They've been outstanding."

Fuchs said he was "very happy" with Newport's five January signings, and does not expect more new arrivals before the transfer window closes on Monday, 2 February.

"There's nothing on the horizon right now - I'm looking forward to seeing more from Tanatswa (winger Nyakuhwa), same with (striker) James Crole and Lewis (forward Jamieson) as well," said Fuchs, who has also brought in defender Ryan Delaney and midfielder Harrison Biggins.

"They are all good additions that bring more quality to the team, and will help us improve. They will all have a very important role to play."