NEWPORT County AFC have appointed Grant Kalahar as the club’s new academy manager, writes Andrew Penman.

Kalahar joins County from Cardiff & Vale College, where he is currently academy director.  

He has also worked in the academies at Cardiff City and Swansea City and was involved with the County academy between 2008 and 2012.

A graduate of the University of Wales, Newport, the UEFA A Licensed coach previously worked for the Welsh Football Trust and Football Association of Wales as a football development officer and manager of the Wales Learning Difficulties team.

In a statement the club said: “We welcome Grant to Rodney Parade and look forward to a bright future with the academy.”

Mike Flynn, who had a dual-role as player and youth development coach last season, was one of four unsuccessful candidates also interviewed for the role.

“I’d like to wish Grant Kalahar and everyone at the County academy all the best,” said Flynn.

“There is no animosity from me towards them and I hope Grant and [youth team coach] Danny Elliott continue all the good work we did last season.

“I want County to be successful and I hope the fans takeover goes ahead and that Terry Butcher gets things right on the pitch.”