Few players can lay claim to the level of loyalty and commitment shown by Darren Powell. He made an incredible 585 appearances and scored 73 goals in yellow and blue, Powell’s time at Newport IW FC spans an era, making him one of the club’s most dedicated and respected figures.

His journey to the club came at a time of progression, both for himself and Newport.
“Hughie Lewis was given the Newport manager's job. Having previously played with him in my Binstead days and it being a step up from Wessex League to Southern League, I made the decision to sign from Cowes Sports in the 2006/7 season.”

From that moment on, Powell became a mainstay in the side, contributing across countless seasons, matches and milestones.

With such longevity comes a wealth of memories and Darren has plenty to look back on with pride.
“Being at the club for so long, there are many standout memories that I will treasure forever. A few that come to mind are: as a Portsmouth fan, playing against two very strong Portsmouth sides in 2007 and 2017.”

“Winning the Russell Coates Cup on home soil in the 2010/11 season against Bemerton Heath Harlequins, a defeat in the Wessex League Cup final, a run to the last 16 of the FA Vase and any Gold Cup final win will always stick in the memory.”

“Occasions like these are few and far between so you have to savour every moment.”
Having played alongside so many teammates over the years, Powell is quick to reflect on the collective rather than individuals.

“Too many to mention. I was lucky enough to play with some very talented players over the years. Everyone played a part, however big or small.”

There are, however, matches that stand out - moments where everything comes together.
“A Gold Cup win against Cowes, scoring two goals and receiving the man of the match award.”

And while football takes players to many places, some grounds simply mean more than others.
“I was lucky enough to play at some great grounds and some really poor ones but nothing beats playing at St George’s Park in front of big crowds, close friends and family.”

Of course, it’s not just what happens on the pitch that defines a career - the dressing room moments often live longest in the memory.

“Nothing beats being in a changing room preparing for a match. The camaraderie you develop is second to none. Many, many stories that range from a manager throwing what was thought to be a plastic jug to then find out it was glass and a number of players being smothered, to a player being sick at the smell of another player’s pre-match poo, to having a surprise guest of a lamb into the changing rooms before one of our games.”

And strange things happened too. “I’ll never forget Jamie Bray taking a goal kick in his own box, trying a forty yard cross field pass only to slice the ball and find the top corner of his own net. Never seen anything like it since. We all stood there in a state of shock.”

After leaving Newport, Powell’s football journey brought him back to familiar surroundings.
“After leaving Newport I returned to my roots and still play for Binstead COB in the Island League.”

Alongside playing, he has continued to give back to the game through coaching.
“As well as playing for Binstead I coach for Sandown Soccer, with the aim to primarily allow children to have fun through football, to learn and improve their basic football skills with the long term aim of getting them into local football teams.”

Off the pitch, his role in a school environment allows him to maintain that strong connection to football.
“Working in the behaviour team at a secondary school allows me to commit so much time to football and to coach in the evenings and school holidays.”

Reflecting on his time at Newport, it’s clear just how much the club means to him.
“Playing for Newport became a massive part of my life. Blood, sweat and tears. Memories and friends made for life. Captaining the side on many occasions was an honour. I have no regrets and wouldn’t change any of it.”

And like so many former players, the connection never truly fades.
“I still follow Newport results every week. I work with a couple of present players so we often talk about results and mum is still part of the hospitality team on match days.”

A career filled with commitment, resilience and pride and one that leaves a lasting legacy at Newport IW FC.
When asked for one word to sum up Newport he said “Forever “