ANTHONY Hudson has made his first appointment as manager of Newport County – bringing in veteran goalkeeper Lee Harrison as his assistant coach.

The 39-year-old former Fulham, Barnet and Leyton Orient stopper, who played for Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Hayes & Yeading in the 2010/11 season, has hung up his gloves to join Hudson in the dugout at Spytty Park.

Harrison was previously assistant manager to Ian Hendon at League Two Barnet and goalkeeping coach at Dagenham & Redbridge. He has held his full coaching badge since he was 21.

“I met Anthony when he came in to do some coaching at Dagenham and it quickly became clear that he’s going to be a top manager,” said Harrison, who has agreed a one-year deal with the option of an extension.

“I’ve been wanting to get back into the coaching side of things for a while and Newport County is a great club.

“I remember when they were in the Football League and I listened to the European match against Carl Zeiss Jena as a 10-year-old under the bed covers,” he added.

“There’s great history here and, having played against the boys last season, I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen.

“I’m convinced we can get the club back in the League before too long.”

Hudson is delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced campaigner.

“Lee has played more than 400 matches in the Football League and knows the game inside out,” said the Exiles boss.

“He came highly recommended by (Dagenham boss) John Still and having played at this level last year he knows what is required.”

Hudson was further boosted yesterday by the news that midfielder Darryl Knights has committed himself to the cause, signing a one-year contract to take him up to the summer of 2012.

“We’re very pleased that Darryl has agreed to stay because he has had offers from several League clubs and it shows he believes in what we are doing here,” said Hudson.

“We are still in talks with other players about extending their stays and looking at several targets from elsewhere. Hopefully we will have more positive news over the next four or five days.”