Coach Nelson Jardim Vows Support for Injured Co-Captain Wildig

Head coach Nelson Jardim has affirmed that Newport County will provide comprehensive support to aid the recovery of their injured co-captain, Aaron Wildig, who joined the club from Morecambe in 2022 after previously playing for Cardiff City. Jardim expressed that he was “devastated” following the club’s announcement that Wildig would be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury. Wildig, aged 32, is scheduled for surgery shortly, with the added knowledge that his Newport contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the current season. Jardim indicated that Wildig was feeling “a little bit down,” but the Newport manager stated: “Now it’s up to us to help him.” He further commented, “It’s not good at his age to have that injury. He was sad and it’s up to us to make him feel comfortable and positive moving forward.” Jardim acknowledged that the contract situation would likely be a concern for the former Cardiff City player as he faces a lengthy recovery period. He quoted, “I am sure those things go through his mind. But again it’s down to us now to make him feel comfortable and positive looking forward and getting him back as fit as possible.” Jardim also added, “He also has at least three years at a good level of football, we just have to make sure when he comes back he comes back fit.” The coach further stated: “We are known for being a club like that. We try to look after our players, that is the maximum I can say.” He continued, “From my end, from my perspective I will do my best to make sure he feels part of it. Even though Aaron knows he’s going to have surgery now, I am sure we will see him as soon as possible in the dressing room, watching the games and he will be part of everything.” Jardim’s immediate priority will be to address the void created by the absence of his most seasoned player, a midfielder who currently shares the top scorer position with four goals. Newport, presently 15th in League Two, are scheduled to play a challenging away match against sixth-placed Notts County on Saturday. While Wildig’s injury represents the most recent setback for Jardim, he views his captain’s absence as a chance for other players. He remarked, “I feel like we have other young boys who can step up and are capable of doing a good job for us and obviously this will be their time to show their value.”