Newport players fully behind boss Anthony Hudson, says David Pipe

David Pipe says Newport will not be found wanting for effort or commitment

Newport County manager Anthony Hudson has the full support of the squad, according to new signing David Pipe.

The Exiles lost their fifth successive match in the Blue Square Bet Premier on Saturday as Pipe made his debut.

"Obviously everyone is doing what they can for the gaffer but it's a difficult situation. You can't paper over it," said 27-year-old midfielder Pipe.

"We've lost quiet a few games lately but everyone is definitely behind the gaffer."

Hudson joined County in April on a one-year deal and won five of his first seven games in charge at the end of last season.

The late surge took Newport to within three points of the play-off places, but the first nine games of this season have yielded just a single victory.

Their latest setback came away against Braintree Town on Saturday when a Ben Wright goal after 20 minutes proved decisive, leaving County in the relegation zone on five points.

"When you go on a run like we have then confidence is going to be low, but you've got to put that behind you," added Pipe.

"We're men and we've got to turn it around. The only people who can turn it around is us. If we get that one result, which I'm sure we will very soon, then things will start to turn.

"There's a good atmosphere in training - everyone is pulling for each other.

"There wasn't anyone out there not pulling their weight [against Braintree], if there was I would have dragged them up myself."

Former Wales Under-21 captain Pipe has joined Newport on a non-contract basis following his release from prison.

He was jailed for 38 months in 2010 for fracturing the skull of another man in an unprovoked attack in Bristol a year earlier.

"A lot of people know about my situation, and those who don't I'm sure will find out," added Pipe, who made one substitute appearance for Wales' full side against the United States in 2003.

"I'm just very grateful for the opportunity. I've been training for the past two weeks. I'm half up to fitness - I feel quiet good but my match-fitness isn't where it should be.

"I'm just glad to get back into a hopefully I can get Newport County out of this rut."

County's next match is at home to 13th-placed Stockport on Tuesday, who are searching for their first away win this season.

Hudson could name an unchanged line-up for the fixture. Craig McAllister will be hoping to hold onto his spot in attack despite failing to find the net so far this season.