Former Lincoln City defender Aaron Lewis has returned to Newport County following his spell with Mansfield Town.
The versatile Welshman is back at Rodney Parade after helping the Stags win promotion from League Two and subsequently playing for them in League One. Newport have confirmed his return, highlighting his ability to operate in midfield as well as at full-back.
Lewis spent part of Michael Appleton’s tenure at Sincil Bank, although his arrival actually came under Danny Cowley in August 2019. Having been released by Swansea City, he earned a short-term contract with us and made his debut three days later in the League Cup victory at Huddersfield Town.
There was enough promise for City to hand him an 18-month deal in January 2020, but regular first-team opportunities proved difficult to come by. He made just two league appearances for the Imps, scoring once, before heading to Newport on loan in October that year.
That initial move brought only one appearance, but his longer-term future would lie in South Wales. Lewis left City by mutual consent in February 2021 and returned to Newport permanently the following day, going on to establish himself in their side.
He made more than 100 appearances across league and cup competitions during his time with the Exiles, including an outing in the 2021 League Two play-off final. Newport were beaten by Morecambe at Wembley, but Lewis would eventually secure promotion from the division with Mansfield after joining them in the summer of 2023.
His contribution to the Stags’ successful 2023/24 campaign forms part of the experience Newport hope he can bring to their squad. Announcing the signing, the club said:
“Having developed considerably since his previous time at the club, Lewis returns with valuable experience, professionalism and a strong understanding of the demands of League Two.”
The move takes the Swansea-born player back to familiar surroundings after a career which began with more than a decade in his hometown club’s youth system. Before joining us, he also gained senior experience during a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers.
A former Wales youth international, Lewis represented his country at under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels. His Lincoln spell may have been brief, but he has since built a substantial EFL career and now returns to the club where he first found regular football after leaving Sincil Bank.
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