Advertisement

County boss leaves door open for forward after 'brave' decision to drop down a level

MOVE: County forward Lewis Collins will spend the rest of the season on loan at Torquay <i>(Image: Huw Evans Agency)</i>
MOVE: County forward Lewis Collins will spend the rest of the season on loan at Torquay (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

LEWIS Collins’ ‘brave’ move down to the National League doesn’t mean the end of his Newport County AFC career, says boss Graham Coughlan.

The 21-year-old forward will spend the rest of the season on loan at Torquay United and could make his debut against promotion-chasing Notts County at Plainmoor tomorrow afternoon.

Collins started County’s last League Two game at Carlisle United but it was rare inclusion in the XI; 19 of his 27 outings this season have been as a substitute.

The Wales Under-21s international, who signed a two-year contract in 2021, is relishing the chance to rack up the minutes in Devon.

South Wales Argus: Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins scored in the Carabao Cup upset at Luton
South Wales Argus: Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins scored in the Carabao Cup upset at Luton

Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins scored in the Carabao Cup upset at Luton (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I am really excited to just be here and play football,” said Collins. “Things haven’t gone my way in the past but I am hoping to turn that around here, it's a fresh start.

“It's the right time for me in my career and life, I am coming out of my comfort zone. It's my first time away from my parents and first time playing for a different club. It's exciting.”

Collins formed a hard-working strike partnership with Padraig Amond in the 2020/21 promotion bid, scoring against a Forest Green Rovers side featuring his brother Aaron in the play-off semi-finals and starting at Wembley.

He made just four starts and 13 substitute appearances in League Two last season and in the current campaign it was three starts, one under Coughlan, and 15 outings off the bench.

The manager has backed the rapid forward’s decision to drop down a level and says the forward will then be welcomed back to Newport after the end of the relegation-threatened Gulls’ campaign.

South Wales Argus: Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins
South Wales Argus: Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins

Newport County AFC forward Lewis Collins (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Lewis is a great lad and had conversations with us regarding game time,” said Coughlan. “Me and Joe [Dunne, assistant] spoke to him about what he wants from his career and I hope we have helped him.

“He wanted to play more and I think he is 100 per cent right. To kick his career on he needs that 10, 15-game run.

“It’s a brave decision by Lewis and a very good decision. I love young lads who are hungry to play and have that desire.

“Because I couldn’t guarantee him football he decided to take things into his own hands and that shows maturity.

“There is no doubt that Lewis is a talented player and I hope moving away from home helps him in his career, because I have no doubt he will be a success once he gets that regular run.

“We can’t wait to track him, follow him and have him back with us at the end of the season.

“It’s possible to fall out of love with the game but Lewis loves playing and it’s brilliant he has taken things into his own hands. Hopefully he scores loads of goals and comes back to us fit and raring to go.”