New Newport County academy manager excited to get started

The club confirmed Gibson’s appointment over the weekend, six months after former Exiles player Byron Anthony stepped down from the role.

Gibson joins from League Two rivals Stevenage, where he has spent six-and-a-half years working in several roles.

His prior experience at the Hertfordshire club includes working as head of education, head of goalkeeping, as well as being part of the first team set-up and youth development phase.

Most recently Gibson was working under the title of under-18s professional development coach at Stevenage.

Following the appointment, Jorden said: “I'm really excited. I can't wait to get started now.

“I have always had the ambition to be an academy manager, so when the opportunity came about here and for me it was really a no brainer.

“I loved my time at Stevenage but this is an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.”

Gibson will work closely with Exiles boss Michael Flynn and he hopes to see plenty of youngsters progress from the academy to the first team squad over the next few years.

"Ultimately, my goals and targets will be to support the gaffer and the first team and keep producing and help nurture that talent through to the top level at this club, like any academy manager in this country at any club,” he said.

“If I can do that then we’ll have a successful time here.

“It’ll be my responsibility to make sure that everything around the club is going in a forward-thinking direction to support the first team and take the academy forward.

“I have spoken with the gaffer and he has told me his visions.

“I have also spoken with several members of the board, including the chairman, and you just get the feeling that this is a really good place to come. I am really looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea have revealed that their development squad will be heading to Rodney Parade in July for a friendly against County.

The match on Wednesday, July 24, will be a benefit game for Fraser Franks.

The 28-year-old, who started his career in the Chelsea academy, was forced to retire from playing in March on medical advice because of a heart problem.

Flynn’s men played the Chelsea under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy last September, winning 3-0 thanks to two goals from Jamille Matt and one from Antoine Semenyo.

Former County loanee Tyler Reid has joined Swindon Town on a free transfer from Swansea City.

The 21-year-old, who made seven appearances for the Exiles between January and May 2018, has agreed a two-year deal with the Robins.

He told the club website: “I can't wait to get cracking. All I want to do is fight for first-team football.

“The place looks good and I'm ready for it to be my home.

“The gaffer [Richie Wellens] has said he wants to give me a chance and I'm ready to take it.”