NEWPORT County AFC have appointed Rob Thomas as goalkeeping coaching to replace Jim Hollman, who has left after six years at Rodney Parade.

Thomas has joined head coach Nelson Jardim’s management team and has already been working with ‘keepers Nick Townsend and Jacob Carney in League Two fixtures.

He previously worked for the Football Association of Wales Trust for 15 years as the national goalkeeper coach education coordinator and spent the last two seasons with Haverfordwest in Cymru Premier.

Thomas replaces Hollman, who the club state has left by mutual consent.

Jim Hollman with Nick Townsend in County's warm-upJim Hollman with Nick Townsend in County's warm-up (Image: Federico Guerra Maranesi/Huw Evans Agency)

The specialist coach, who previously worked at Norwich, Ipswich, Cardiff, Motherwell and Northampton, joined the Exiles in 2018.

He worked closely with Michael Flynn – helping the club go agonisingly close to promotion with controversial Wembley defeats to Tranmere in 2019 and Morecambe in 2021 – before staying on under James Rowberry, Graham Coughlan and Nelson Jardim.

South Wales-based Hollman, who designs and manufactures a range of innovative training products for ‘keepers for a company called ProDeflect, has moved on for a new challenge.

"It has been a huge privilege to have worked for this fantastic club for the past six years and I wish Huw Jenkins all the very best in guiding the club forward. Having spent some time in Huw's company I am convinced he will take Newport to new highs.

"Personally, I have many great memories. I am massively proud of the work I did and the part I played in the development and achievements of Joe Day and his move to Championship team Cardiff, Tom King and his call up to the Wales national team and with Nick Townsend achieving international recognition with Antigua & Barbuda.

"I am equally as proud to have been part of a team that narrowly missed out on promotion at two play-off finals and the success in the cups resulting in games against the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City, Leicester City and Middlesbrough, bringing much-needed finance to the club.

"Lastly, I want to say a huge thanks to the Amber Army. Your support over the six years has been fantastic.

"You created some atmospheres I will never forget. I wish the Exiles all the very best."