Newport County confirm the appointment of former Manchester United Under-21s coach and assistant manager David Hughes as their new manager.
Hughes, who has a strong background in youth development, previously held senior coaching roles at Cardiff City, Southampton, and managed the Wales Under-17 team.
A former professional footballer with Aston Villa and Wales, his career was cut short by injury at 26.
He is joined by assistant manager Wayne Hatswell, a former Newport player and coach with experience at Walsall, Swindon Town, and Wales Under-17s, and Lee Kendall as head of goalkeeping, who has coached at Sheffield United, Cardiff City, and England Women’s team, among others.
Newport finished the 2024/25 season 22nd in League Two with 49 points from 46 games played, 7 points above the drop zone.
Read the club statement below, with Hughes expressing just how excited he is about the challenge and the club’s shared vision.
🤝 Newport County is delighted to announce the appointment of former @ManUtd coach David Hughes as the club’s new manager.
Welcome to Rodney Parade, Dave 🏴#OneClubOneCounty
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) May 23, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Newport County is delighted to announce the appointment of former Manchester United coach David Hughes as the club’s new manager.
Hughes joins the Exiles on a two-year contract from Old Trafford, where he was Under-21s coach and assistant manager, playing an instrumental role in nurturing the next generation of talent within one of the world’s most renowned academies.
He will be joined by the experienced Wayne Hatswell as assistant manager and Lee Kendall as head of goalkeeping.
A highly respected coach with a proven track record in youth development and elite performance environments, Hughes brings with him a wealth of experience. His impressive CV includes senior roles at Cardiff City and Southampton as Head of Academy Coaching, and a four-year tenure as manager of the Wales Under-17 national team.
A former professional footballer, Hughes came through the ranks at Aston Villa, making seven Premier League appearances before a career-ending injury saw him retire at the age of 26. His playing career also included spells at Carlisle United, Shrewsbury Town, and Cardiff City, and he represented Wales at international level.
Beyond his time at Manchester United, Hughes has held key coaching roles at Shrewsbury, Watford, Wales, Aston Villa, and Southampton, gaining a deep understanding of development pathways across all levels of the game.
Speaking after his appointment, Hughes said: “Leaving a great club like Manchester United is never easy, but I’m excited about what lies ahead here.
“You build relationships with people and that makes decisions like this challenging. But after speaking to the chairman on a few occasions, it became a straightforward decision in terms of the challenge ahead and the shared vision for the club.”
Joining Hughes as assistant manager is a familiar and respected figure at Rodney Parade — Hatswell.
Hatswell enjoyed a successful playing spell at Newport during the 2011–12 season before transitioning into coaching. Across two periods at the club from 2013 to 2022, he served as assistant manager and interim manager, playing a key role in leading the Exiles to two League Two play-off finals and a number of unforgettable cup runs.
Following coaching roles at Walsall and Swindon Town, he most recently managed the Wales Under-17s, having joined the FAW in 2024.
Also joining the new-look coaching team is Kendall – the son of former County shot-stopper Mark – who arrives as head of goalkeeping.
Kendall brings significant experience both as a player and coach. A former Wales youth international, he played as a goalkeeper for Crystal Palace, Cardiff City, and Shrewsbury Town, as well as representing several top Welsh clubs in domestic and European competitions.
Since beginning his coaching career in 2010, Kendall has held senior positions with Sheffield United, Cardiff City, Bristol City, the England Women’s National Team, and Fleetwood Town. Most recently, he served as assistant manager — and later interim manager — at Bath City in the National League South.
Here’s how fans reacted as Newport County confirm the appointment of the former Manchester United coach as their new manager…
@PoZu72: Welcome David, seems to be an exciting appointment, let’s do this.
@thomasncfc18: Seems a good appointment especially bringing hats back the man is a genius and a legend
@MarkGCoffey: 🎵 Hughsie is our Gaffer….🎵
@luffers70: Hughsie Hughsie
@JamieAnderson93: a good guy, good footballing knowledge and brain!
@brimble_damon1: Glad it’s done, delighted Hats is back as well, no coincidence things that things went wrong for Rowberry after he left. The fact the job title is manager and not head coach is interesting as well, hope this means Jenkins backing off with recruitment
@c94_utc: Let’s go! UTFC
@NCAFCThoughts: Won’t lie I’m buzzing at this!! Got a really, really good feeling about this appointment. Up the bloody County!!! 🟠⚫️
@NCAFCThoughts: From what I read up on David Hughes a few days ago, he’s thoughtful and articulate. I really hope he can get the fans excited again, both on and off the pitch. Don’t underestimate the importance that David Hughes is our new Manager rather than Head Coach too.
@UT_County: DAVID HUGHES’ BARMY ARMY LETS GO
@William_Downs_: First loan signing Gabriele Biancheri from United would be a good start! Delighted to see Hats return can get on board with that as he connects with the fans and will show passion on sideline
@neddthomas: David Hughes looks like a brilliant appointment for Newport. Did a great job for our academy and went on to do brilliant for the Man Utd academy. Expect him to do well there
