Newport County is shaking up its squad as the club announces its retained list, with Wales international Matt Smith and forward Ged Garner headlined as transfer-listed players. The Exiles are clearly looking to reshape after a dramatic League Two survival campaign.
Smith, a 26-year-old midfielder with 19 caps for Wales, arrived at Rodney Parade in June 2025 as former manager David Hughes' first signing. He inked a two-year deal after leaving St Johnstone, but his debut season with Newport was limited to just 22 appearances across all competitions—only 13 of those as league starts. The writing may have been on the wall as the club battled relegation under current boss Christian Fuchs, securing their League Two status in nail-biting fashion on the final day.
Garner, 27, also finds himself on the transfer list after netting just two goals in 29 outings last term. He's not alone in the departure lounge: fellow striker Courtney Baker-Richardson is among seven players leaving Rodney Parade as their contracts expire. The complete list of outgoing players includes Liam Shephard, Anthony Driscoll-Glennon, Jaden Warner, and youngsters Nelson Sanca, Riley Lonergan, and Jac Norris.
But it's not all goodbyes in South Wales. Captain Matt Baker, Bobby Kamwa—whose late-season goals proved vital in the survival push—Michael Spellman, Ciaran Brennan, Cameron Evans, and Keenan Patten are all in contract talks. Newport has also triggered extension options for Joe Thomas, Tom Davies, and Moses Alexander-Walker, signaling a core they want to build around.
Meanwhile, loan deals have run their course for Ryan Delaney, Sven Sprangler, Harrison Biggins, Ben Lloyd, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, and Nathaniel Opoku. The club retains a solid foundation under contract for next season, including Jordan Wright, Shaun MacDonald, Lee Jenkins, Cole Jarvis, Lewis Jamieson, and James Crole.
With Fuchs at the helm after orchestrating that thrilling last-day escape, Newport's summer business will be crucial. The manager knows exactly what's needed to avoid another relegation scrap—and this retained list suggests he's already making his mark.