Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim has left the club by mutual consent after less than one season in charge.

The Portuguese coach signed an initial one-year contract with the Welsh club in 2024 and has indicated that he was considering his future at Newport.

Jardim arrived at Newport having been head coach at Maritimo B for the previous two seasons and a part of Aitor Karanka’s backroom staff at Birmingham City.

In a statement on the Newport County website, chairman Huw Jenkins praised the job Jardim did this season and commended the 46-year-old for his ‘hard word, commitment, and loyalty.’

“I have known Nelson for 15 years and we have always been open and honest with each other,” Jenkins explained. “He felt that it was best for him and the club to move on with just two games left and our League status now secure.

“I can’t thank Nelson enough for his hard work, commitment and loyalty, especially as he left his young family in Portugal to take on the role. He took on a tough challenge with lots of changes at the club from a squad overhaul to the way we operate and work.

“His main goal was to keep the club in League Two during a season of transition so that we can start building for the future. It took us longer than we probably wanted, but he feels that with the job completed then it was time for him to look for a new challenge.

“Having taken on board his thoughts and the timing, it also allows us the space to reflect and plan over the final two games and the summer to appoint a replacement as quickly as possible.

“It’s been a difficult season at times, but considering all the experience we have gained over the last 12 months then I believe there is a clear understanding of what we need to move us forward as a team and a club.

“We will be looking to bring in the right manager or head coach to build on those last 12 months so we can start the season strongly; move the club forward and challenge for the top part of League Two.”

In a separate statement on the Newport County website, Jardim said that he is proud of the job he has done, leading the club to safety in League Two this season.

“The plan was always to meet (with chairman Huw Jenkins) at the end of the season to discuss the future,” said Jardim.

“But with safety secured on Monday, it was agreed to bring the meeting forward. Having completed the job I was asked to do, I felt it was time for a new challenge; spend time with my young family, while also giving the club the extra time to plan for my successor.

“I want to thank the players and the fans for their support this season. I’m sure the majority understood that the task I faced was always going to be a tough one with so many new, inexperienced players joining the club.

“But we got the job done, so from that point of view I only see it as a success. We gave 18 debuts to new signings, 12 of which made their League debuts, and I think the experience they’ve gained will only stand them and the club in good stead for the future.”

Newport County are yet to confirm who will take charge of their two remaining league fixtures against Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers.

---

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.

Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.

You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.