League Two: Newport County appoint Nelson Jardim as boss

The Exiles had been hunting a new head coach since the departure of manager Graham Coughlan on June 20.

Owner Jenkins, who has led a summer recruitment drive that so far has seen 10 new faces come in, initially brought Jardim in as lead coach.

The former Swansea and Birmingham assistant arrived for the start of pre-season training and the plan was for him to get to work ahead of the arrival of a new head coach.

However, Jenkins has opted to give Jardim the top job and the coach from Portugal will be calling the shots for the first time in the Football League.

He will be tasked with developing a new style of play at Rodney Parade - and helping a raft of EFL novices to settle quickly in the rough and tumble of League Two.

“One or two matters needed to be discussed and agreed during the last few weeks before this announcement could be confirmed,” said Jenkins.

“Leaving his young family in Madeira to move to Newport and take up this challenge was a big decision for him to make.

“The club also needed written confirmation of Nelson’s settled status in the UK, which we have now received.

“Nelson has made a big impact at Newport County over recent weeks, not only with the staff and players, but he has also been instrumental in helping to bring a strong, positive feel around the club.

“Hopefully today’s update will allow everyone connected to the club from the staff, players and supporters to fully focus on the exciting new season ahead.”

BOSS: Nelson Jardim will be calling the shots for Newport County as head coach (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Jardim becomes County’s first manager from outside Britain and Ireland, although former England captain Terry Butcher was born in Singapore.

“It is a privilege to be at Newport County, and at the beginning of something I believe can be special over time," said the new boss.

“Obviously, it was a big decision for me to leave my family in Portugal, so the move had to be right for everyone. 

“But having worked with the players for the last two weeks, seen their quality, commitment and work ethic, plus the way they have bought into my methods, it made my decision quick and easy for me. 

“I have been really impressed with their drive and ambition to become better players by utilising a different style of play that will hopefully bring them and the club success in the future.

“The decision was also reinforced by the staff here. They’ve welcomed me in, bought into the different footballing philosophy and ways of working and given 100 per cent to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“The support they have offered has been second to none and I would like to thank them because it means a lot.

“The same goes for the supporters. I’ve spoken to a lot of them around the city and at Undy last Saturday. They’ve been so welcoming, respectful and supportive and I’m looking forward to building a close relationship with them.”

After six away friendlies, his reign will start properly on Saturday, August 10 at Cheltenham when he goes up against one of his predecessors, Michael Flynn.

He will lead the existing backroom team with Dafydd Williams now given the title of assistant head coach after being first team coach under Coughlan and right-hand man Dunne.

Goalkeeping coach James Hollman, head of performance Scott Wickens (strength and conditioning), head analyst Connor McGaharan and club greats Mark O’Brien (player liaison) and David Pipe (kit man) remain.

County have also appointed a new head physio in Triston Jenkins – who has worked with Swansea City’s academy, Haverfordwest and the Welsh Rugby Union – after Sophie Birnie left and joined Carlisle at the end of last season.