David Hughes ready for Newport County job after Man Utd exit

South Wales Argus

27-05-2025

The Exiles confirmed the appointment of the 47-year-old on Friday – as manager and not head coach – on a two-year contract after he left his role with Manchester United Under-21s.
Hughes heads a new-look management team with Wayne Hatswell returning as his assistant and Lee Kendall, son of club great Mark, arriving as goalkeeper coach.
They arrive to lead a County side that successfully stayed away from a relegation dogfight last season under Nelson Jardim after a summer of change, although a slump in the run-in saw them finish in the last safe spot.
There is plenty to be done before the League Two campaign gets under way on the first weekend of August and Hughes, whose appointment was agreed but not rubber-stamped a while ago, has been busy.
'Work for us has already started. We've discussed player returns, pre-season structure, and the messages we need to deliver,' said Hughes, who is yet to be put up for questions from the media but has done an interview with the club.
'We're not reinventing the wheel. There will be clear markers for success — physically, technically, and tactically.
'We'll be demanding, but we'll also make it enjoyable. The coaching environment will instil key ideas daily, not just on matchdays. On good days or bad, the standards must be evident.'
County have plenty of players returning after joining in the summer of 2024 on two-year deals while they are in talks with the influential quartet of goalkeeper Nick Townsend, centre-back James Clarke, full-back/midfielder Shane McLoughlin and midfielder Aaron Wildig.
However, there is a widespread feeling that more quality and experience is needed if the Exiles are to climb the table next season.
County will hope there is plenty to celebrate next season (Image: Juan Gasparini/Huw Evans Agency)
'There will be relentless standards from the first day. Successful teams have clarity and non-negotiables — we'll make sure that's in place from the outset,' said Hughes.
'Experience isn't just about age — it's about games and level. We need players who understand this level and can accelerate how we want to play.
'We're targeting players who bring energy, resilience, and the ability to drive standards. Newport is a club built on resilience, and we want that to be clear every time we play.'
Hughes will make the step up from age-grade football to the serious stuff of League Two, when livelihoods are on the line.
Fears over his experience when leading in the EFL should be allayed by the return of Wayne Hatswell, who formed a wonderful partnership with Michael Flynn.
Hatswell also stayed on to work with his friend James Rowberry and he proved to be an invaluable sounding board; it was only when he left for a reunion with Flynn at Walsall that things started to go wrong.
'I feel 100 per cent ready,' said Hughes. 'The coaching team we have is crucial. I'm delighted with the staff the club has and those we're bringing in.
'There's no fear — only excitement. We have clarity in what success looks like and how we'll measure it. We'll hold players to high standards every day.'
'When managers are appointed, I always look at their staff. Different skill sets are essential,' he continued.
'Wayne and I have similarities and differences — which is great. His experience will be vital. Lee Kendall is also coming in. He's not just a goalkeeper coach, he's a very well-rounded coach.'