Biggins revitalised under Mullins at Newport
· Yahoo Sports
A year ago, Harrison Biggins was struggling on the fringes at Shrewsbury Town. Now, the midfielder is one of Newport County's key men under Hayden Mullins.
The 30-year-old is set to make his 13th appearance of the 2026-27 season when the Exiles host Colchester United in League Two on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Visit palladian.co.za for more information.
Mullins, a former midfielder himself, has been impressed with the impact made by Biggins.
"He's a really unselfish player, and a fantastic player to have as a coach because he can play in a number of different positions," said the manager.
"He works incredibly hard for the team, whether that's running off the ball when we've got it or to close people down and press."
After making just nine appearances in all competitions last season with the Shrews, Biggins has rediscovered both his form and love for the game in Newport.
He arrived at Rodney Parade on loan in January and helped Christian Fuchs' side avoid relegation before making the move permanent last summer.
"It's been great so far," said Biggins, who has made 30 League Two appearances for Newport.
"I've really enjoyed it ever since day one of pre-season. We've all worked so hard and come together as a team.
"Then the gaffer came in towards the end of pre-season and that's just continued."
That work ethic has become a hallmark of Mullins' side, with Biggins at the heart of the Exiles' new-found positivity.
"His output, his goals and assists, his running stats are through the roof so he's getting the rewards," said the manager.
Biggins is part of Mullins' leadership group alongside captain Kyle Cameron, striker Christian Doidge and full-back Cameron Norman.
"I like to be a leader on and off the pitch, and that's not necessarily with my voice all the time," he said.
"It's more through my actions. If someone sees you going to press or the way you carry yourself, hopefully the younger lads can follow that."
His resurgence has coincided with Newport's own improvements.
After narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day last season, the Exiles have made a much brighter start.
Newport have already kept three clean sheets and are unbeaten at Rodney Parade, with upcoming games on home turf against Colchester and York.
The Exiles were beaten 13 times at home last season, but Biggins notes the mentality shift this time around.
"Teams coming to Rodney [Parade] know they're not in for an easy game," he said.
"They know we're not just going to roll over and get our bellies tickled. There's no way that's going to happen.
"You can see how hard we fight for each other. That'll be at home or away."
Harrison Biggins scored for Newport in the 2-1 defeat by Salford [Huw Evans Picture Agency]Perhaps nothing has symbolised Newport's renewed confidence more than Biggins' wondrous strike against Salford City on 1 September.
Spotting goalkeeper Matthew Young off his line, the midfielder struck an effort from 77.7 yards into the net.
"It's something I actually look out for quite a lot," said Biggins, whose goal opened the scoring in a last-gasp 2-1 loss.
"It sounds daft, but goalkeepers do stand quite high when general play is happening.
"In that game I was in our half a lot, and the ball seemed to break to me and that was my chance to try it.
"I didn't realise how far out I was until I saw it back, but thankfully it came off."
The strike was extraordinary, but the celebration was rather ordinary.
"I never get too excited," he said. "I try to stay level-headed whether things are going well, or things are going against me. I just keep my feet grounded and continue working."
For a player whose career has been reignited by hard work, that mindset could yet be the clearest reason why both he and Newport seem to be heading in the right direction.