Nelson Jardim aims to bring Swansea Way to Newport County

County are set for a new era under the Portuguese head coach in League Two after he was chosen as successor to manager Graham Coughlan.

That Jardim is head coach rather than manager emphasises the change under owner Huw Jenkins.

With the assistance of a scouting network and head of football operations Chris Finn, the chairman has led a recruitment drive that has so far brought in 10 new signings.

Jardim is tasked with getting a tune out of that squad and developing a new style, with the Exiles likely to climb the League Two possession charts.

Coughlan did a sterling job on a meagre budget to ensure County were never in a relegation battle that many tipped them to be in last summer.

However, they finished 22nd for possession, 22nd for passes and last for pass success percentage.

Jenkins’ Swansea had a passing style started by Roberto Martinez, who was followed in the hotseat by Paulo Sousa, with Jardim as assistant.

County’s new boss also had spells in the west working with Francesco Guidolin, Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal.

The aim is to adopt a similar approach at Rodney Parade.

PASS: County new boy Kai Whitmore on the ball in pre-season at Pontypridd (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency)

“These are different times but we know where we are going,” said Jardim. “We aim to play good football, possession-based football, positive football always.

“Football where the players can enjoy themselves and also the fans they can have good afternoons and can go home being proud of their players and their club.”

But this is Newport County – ‘We’ll fight to the end’. Fear not, they won’t be going soft.

“There is no good football if you haven’t got the desire and aggression in your game,” said Jardim, who has club greats Mark O’Brien and David Pipe on his backroom staff if any history lessons are needed.

“You want to be in control of the games so we are not going to lose that, maybe we will use it in a better way.

“League Two is tough, the games come fast and some teams play to their strengths of making sure they win second halls, that they get into the opposition box as quickly as possible, that they make the most of set plays.

“We have to be aware of that and be prepared to face that type of football, but when we have the ball we have to protect it to be in control.”

County went from a 3-5-2 under Michael Flynn, to 4-2-2-2 under James Rowberry, back to 3-5-2 under Coughlan (after he initially shored things up with what was more like 5-3-2).

Jardim is still getting to grips with his youthful squad but expect another formation on the tactics board.

BOSS: Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency)

“We need to get to know the players a little bit better but, being Portuguese, a 4-3-3 shape is something I love because I am here to play good football,” he said.

“We are gelling quite well and the boys have been excellent,” he continued. “Their effort and commitment has been great and they are taking on board what we are trying to put into the sessions.

“We know that we have brought a lot of players in and that it will take time but I am sure if they enjoy what they are doing and believe that this is the way, then it will make our job easier.”

Jardim has been in football long enough to know that it’s a results business and he has taken the plunge as a boss.

Messages of congratulations have pinged on his phones from the likes of Bruno Lage, Guidolin and Carvalhal.

This is a big deal and a big opportunity for a man who has left his family – wife Ana, seven-year-old Francisco and 12-year-old Carolina – at home in Madeira.

The head coach, who is currently living in a hotel, might be something of a managerial novice but he is confident that the Amber Army will enjoy what he is determined to bring to Newport.

FANS: Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim with young members of the Amber Army (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency)

“Just give me the benefit of the doubt and I think once they see the team playing they will have their answer,” he said.

“We know we need them. We know they are passionate about the club, about the players and I am really looking forward to getting a connection with the supporters.

“They play a big part in the way we feel about the club and the way the boys play, so we need their good energy to help us on the pitch.”

Jardim has big boots to fill after Coughlan built a connection with the supporters and helped provide the wonderful highs last season against Manchester United, Wrexham, Swindon.

They are contrasting bosses, seemingly with different methods in a different club structure, but the head coach is aiming high: “I am really happy to be here at this club, to be part of something that can be special.”