Newport Coach Jardim Anticipates Further Development from Bony and Thomas

Head coach Nelson Jardim has expressed expectations for continued development from young players Geoffroy Bony and Joe Thomas, following their initial full League Two appearances for Newport County. Forward Bony and defender Thomas each received their first league starts in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against AFC Wimbledon. Thomas joined Newport County, also known as the Exiles, from Swansea City during the summer, having not played a senior match for the Championship club. The 22-year-old first appeared for Newport in the EFL Trophy at Reading last month, and subsequently came on as a substitute in the goalless draw against Notts County last Saturday. Bony, the son of former Swansea and Manchester City striker Wilfried, is another product of the Swans’ academy. He signed a contract with Newport last month after being released by Swansea in the summer. Like Thomas, he made his league debut as a substitute at Notts County before being selected to start against the Dons. Jardim stated, “We knew they both had to take time to come up this level. They are at a good level but we know there’s much more to improve from them.” The draw against Wimbledon marked the third consecutive draw for 16th-placed Newport. Thomas and Bony will aim to retain their positions when the Exiles resume action on Saturday with a home game against Carlisle United, a team currently in the relegation zone. Jardim further added, “I think they know that [they need to improve], and they’re not only knowing, they want to improve and that is the most important thing. I thought they did well because this was a big game for them.”