NEWPORT County AFC have announced that academy director Glyn Jones is to leave the club.

The 55-year-old has been in charge of the County youth set-up for the past 17 years and has helped the likes of Nathan Davies, Andrew Hughes and Lee Evans through to the first team.

Jones also guided the careers of young stars like Roger Freestone and Darren Peacock when the old Newport County were last a Football League club in the 1980s.

Born in Newport, Jones played in goal for his home town club in 1983/84 after spells at Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town and has also served County as coach and caretaker manager over the years.

A statement from the club reads: “As part of the on-going development at Newport County AFC, with the club continuing to establish itself as a Football League club, the academy and coaching structure is being revamped.

“A result of these changes will see academy director Glyn Jones leaving the club.

“As the club moves forward towards achieving Elite Players Performance Plan category four status there will be further changes and, as previously reported, Michael Flynn is to be offered a development coaching role alongside a new playing contract.

“Kevin Waterhouse will also play a more prominent role in the academy as head of recruitment.

“The club is also hoping to enter a development team in the newly formed Football League Development League, which will be a mid-week regional competition with no age restriction on players.”

Chief executive Dave Boddy said: “All aspects of the club are evolving as we continue to develop and establish ourselves as a Football League club.

“Justin and the football management team are continually looking at ways of improving the club on the field and this is part of the process.

“It is always sad to see people leaving the club, particularly when it somebody like Glyn who has given many, many years of excellent service to the club in a variety of different roles.

“We wish Glyn the best of luck for the future and would like to place on record the club’s gratitude for the hard work he has provided to Newport County AFC.”

Jones declined to comment when contacted by the Argus.