A towering presence at the heart of Newport’s defence and arguably the most successful captains in the club’s history, John Price epitomised leadership and commitment during his six seasons in yellow. Renowned for his uncompromising defending, aerial dominance and will to win, John made 236 appearances and scored 25 goals, many of them vital from set pieces.

From Havant to Newport
John’s move to Newport came after six years at Havant. When manager Tony Mount left for the Island, a number of players followed, and for John, the decision was straightforward. “Tony had been a big influence on my football so it was a no-brainer,” he recalls. “I didn’t come for the money, I came because I wanted to win. I grew to love the club – it was a brilliant place to play football. The people involved and the supporters were so welcoming, and they all knew I loved playing for Newport.”

Part of a Special Side
Price was part of a formidable Newport team filled with quality and character. He fondly remembers the calibre of those around him: “We had a great bunch. I’ve no idea how Colin Matthews wasn’t a professional goalkeeper – he was immense. I loved playing alongside Steve Riley and Tony White – we were solid. Danny Gibbons’ work rate was incredible, and Gary Green was a top player – ability-wise and physically. I don’t know how he wasn’t playing at the very top level.”

Unforgettable Moments
Over six seasons there were many memorable games, but two stand out. One was a dramatic FA Cup tie at Hereford United, then high-flyers in the Conference, where Newport came from two goals down to win 3–2. “It was incredible,” says Price. “We’d struggled in the league and they were flying, but we showed real character. When Clifton Soares smashed in the winner, the away end went delirious.”

The other was the decisive final-day clash at Chelmsford City that sealed the Dr Martens Eastern Division title. “It had been a mad season with so many games,” Price recalls. “We needed a point but we were full of confidence – we hadn’t conceded in nine matches. Gary Green’s overhead kick won it 1–0 and lifting that enormous trophy was a brilliant moment.”

St George’s Memories
For Price, St George’s Park remains the special stage for his best football. “I loved playing there – it was home. We had such an amazing side, strong and close-knit. And off the pitch we were just a bunch of big kids – if you left your kit unattended, you might find deep heat in your boxers or the ends cut off your socks!”

Life After Newport
John’s final season was disrupted by an ACL injury that sidelined him for six months. Relegation followed and, like many teammates, he moved on. Two seasons at Eastbourne Borough and a return to Bognor followed, but his love of the game never waned.

He continued playing county-level football into his forties, managed Pagham, and now represents England Veterans and has 25 international caps. He is now the manager of England’s Over-55s side.

Life Today
Away from the pitch, John works as Special Projects Fundraiser for My Charity University Hospitals Sussex, which helps local hospitals go above and beyond for patients through innovative research, new equipment and improved environments. Check them out: www.myuhsussex.org

“Home”
Newport still holds a special place in John’s heart. “It was the perfect fit for me,” he says. “I always felt welcome and gave everything on the pitch – for the supporters and the people who ran the club. It was a family.”

He still follows the club closely on social media and keeps in touch with former teammates including Steve Riley, Tony White, Dave Wilson, Leigh Cole and Steve Leigh.

Quickfire Round ⚡️
Best goal you scored (or saw) in yellow?
“I only scored ugly goals – the kind from corners and free kicks. The best I saw was Greener’s overhead kick that won the league.”
Hardest trainer in the squad?
“The navy boys were super fit, but we all trained hard – training matches were always competitive.”
Biggest joker in the dressing room?
“Without doubt Steve Riley. On tour once he disappeared with a bag and came back dressed as a Scotsman, he was always up to something.”
One word to sum up Newport IW FC?
“Home.”