IF we are to listen to Justin Edinburgh’s pre-season words of “only begin to judge us after 12 games,” I guess it’s about time we started evaluating the Exiles.

Saturday’s 3-1 win over York City put Newport 13th in League Two after 12 games, though may I quickly point out on behalf of the Happy Clappers and the Doom Mongers, AKA the Jets and the Sharks, that is three points off the play-off spots and six from the relegation zone.

However, for a number of reasons, the Exiles can, will and should be thrilled by their progress so far this term.

By means of comparison, it is established fact that last season County exhibited promotion form until Christmas, but their haul of 16 points is only three less than they had at this point last term. If they win at Dagenham, they’ll be only a point in arrears and several players, Joe Day, Darren Jones, Robbie Willmott, Andrew Hughes, Mark Byrne and Adam Chapman, are absolutely excelling.

And considering last season County lost only once in their opening six – very unluckily at Northampton who would surely contest automatic promotion – and this term they won only one of their opening half dozen, they recovered spectacularly from a stuttering start.

Edinburgh’s wheeling and dealing has improved Newport’s squad compared to last term and the new link-up with Swansea City is a major, major step forward.

I’ve been banging the drum for years that Newport in Leagues One or Two are an ideal development side for Swansea and Cardiff.

However, that arrangement is only mutually beneficial if the parent clubs have enough trust in County to give them their best prospects, not just the ones that they will probably look to sell or release.

It wasn’t long ago that Swansea City took a young Frank Lampard to the Vetch Field and it’s exciting to think County fans can have the first look at what will hopefully be some of the future stars of the Welsh and English game.

Scott Tancock and James Loveridge are both highly rated at the Liberty Stadium, but a degree of trust has been established between Garry Monk and Edinburgh. I expect a sensible man like Russell Slade to see similar benefits.

Properly exploiting the loan market can really change a season, think Karl Darlow, Joe Day and Kevin Feely as recent examples and I’m confident the Exiles can show more consistency this term with a little help from down the M4.

My judgement after 12 games is that cautious optimism is advised.