County’s poor home form – coupled with awful weather conditions – led to a crowd of just 838 turning up for the Exeter tie, adding to a sense of despondency at the club as their Rodney Parade struggles continued.
Though County have won their past three away games – a memorable 1-0 success at Cardiff City in the EFL Trophy followed by league victories at Accrington and Harrogate – they have mostly struggled in front of their own supporters.
“Not many managers get away with losing as many games as I have done,” said Hughes, who left his role as a Manchester United youth coach to sign a two-year contract at Newport in May.
“[But] I’m really clear with it. Are the players giving absolutely everything for the club? I believe they are. Did we create opportunities and goalscoring moments [against Exeter]? Yes, we did, but not as many as them (Exeter). That’s the truth.
“We are doing everything we can to look to win games of football. I’m not [winning]. We’re not. There’s nothing more I can say on it.”
Hughes accepted “questions have got to be asked” with his team failing to string wins together, and fans and pundits pointing the finger at him and chairman Huw Jenkins for the club’s worrying league position.
“We’re in November and the points total on the board is not good enough. We’ve performed well at times, but performances need to be returned with points,” he said.
“What the supporters know is the players are giving everything for the badge. They can see it. Nothing will change in that regard.
“We are as determined as we’ve ever been to support the players to get the results they require. Ultimately the buck stops with me and if he (Jenkins) needs to make a decision, he’ll make a decision. I can’t influence that.”
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