Kyle Hudlin: More Than Just a Tall Forward

This season, Kyle Hudlin has participated in nine league matches and two cup fixtures for Newport County, netting three goals. Being among the world’s tallest footballers naturally implies proficiency in aerial play. Kyle Hudlin, on loan at Newport County, measures an imposing 6ft 9in and lives up to this expectation, with his initial two goals for Newport being headers. However, he expressed particular satisfaction with his goal during the 2-0 victory against Gillingham. For this goal, he let Bobby Kamwa’s low cross bypass him before powerfully striking the ball into the net from within the penalty area. Hudlin, who is on loan from League One club Huddersfield Town, stated: “I was speaking to my agent and saying I have scored two headed goals but I am expected to score headed goals. I want to showcase my ability on the technical side. Luckily I got to do that [at Gillingham].” The 24-year-old Hudlin is not taken aback by such stereotyping. He elaborated: “It’s kind of a cliché. After my two first goals everyone just sees the height and expects that. So I was really eager to score with my feet and make sure everyone knows I can play football as well.” Hudlin continued: “I am not just a big man. I am tidy with my feet. I just want more opportunity to showcase that.” Hudlin further commented: “I think it’s natural, completely natural especially for fans… with everyone else before me it has been so much about an old fashioned centre forward, hold it up and have a little man running off him.” He also remarked: “But I feel the game is more advanced. I have come into a game where you have to be a complete forward, you have to be able to do both sides of the game and I really try to work on every aspect of it.” This dedication is evidently yielding results for the former student, who played for National League team Solihull Moors concurrently with his university studies in sports fitness and psychology. He completed his degree prior to joining the EFL, signing with then-Championship club Huddersfield Town in July 2022. Following this, Hudlin undertook loan periods at Burton and AFC Wimbledon. Currently, he has netted three goals in his most recent six appearances for Newport and has been in the starting lineup for six of the last eight league matches, ahead of Courtney Baker-Richardson. While other footballers have surpassed Hudlin in height – such as Germany’s Simon Bloch Jorgensen at 6ft 10.5in – the Newport forward’s presence is unmistakable in any gathering. Similar to Kieffer Moore when representing Wales, Hudlin’s considerable height can make him susceptible to robust physical challenges. It is common to observe him being pressed between a defender and a deep-lying midfielder during aerial contests. Furthermore, his jersey is sometimes pulled by adversaries. A significant portion of these actions often goes unnoticed by officials. Nevertheless, Hudlin seems to handle these situations with composure. He commented: “It’s frustrating, but I understand it comes with my stature. I understand the type of forward I am.” Hudlin added: “It’s a very physical game and I base myself on being physical and expect it to be given back to me.” He continued: “There are some decisions I do question because I do think sometimes it turns into a rugby match more than a football match and I struggle to showcase my ability.” However, he acknowledged: “But I also understand it’s very tough for officials and referees during the game when everything is 100 miles an hour. I take it as it comes.” Hudlin’s present loan period at Newport is scheduled to conclude in January. However, he has previously indicated his “openness” to extending his stay past the new year. Head coach Nelson Jardim has openly expressed his desire to retain Hudlin’s services for an extended duration. With their attention now on the FA Cup match against Peterborough at Rodney Parade this Saturday, Newport currently occupies 14th place in League Two with 19 points, positioning them 11 points clear of second-to-last Carlisle and three points away from the play-off spots. Hudlin remarked: “There are going to be ups and downs throughout the season. I just feel like everyone’s game is developing loads and it’s about learning on the job.” He further stated: “It’s about learning quick and fast, making sure every game and training session you are progressing as a person.” Supporters of Newport will undoubtedly hope Hudlin sustains his progress as he endeavors to become a comprehensive footballer and makes a significant impact in their League Two season.