Newport County sack head coach David Hughes

Rhodri Evans
David Hughes has been sacked as Newport County manager after just six months in charge at Rodney Parade.
Hughes leaves his role with the Exiles bottom of League Two, having won only three of their 16 fourth-tier matches this season.
The 47-year-old confirmed his departure in his post match interview with BBC Radio Wales, following County’s 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town. The club subsequently confirmed the news.
“The reality would be it is going to be someone else’s challenge moving forward,” Hughes said.
“My time has come to an end. I understand why, we have not won enough games. I have spoken to the players and wished them all the best. Let’s hope the next manager coming in can give them a bounce.”
Newport later confirmed Hughes’ departure, along with his assistant Wayne Hatswell following a “disappointing start” to the season.
In a statement, the club added: “We thank both Dave and Wayne for their hard work and commitment during their time at the club and wish them the very best for the future.”
Welshman Hughes, 47, was appointed Newport boss in May, stepping down as a youth coach at Manchester United in order to take his first senior managerial role.
But he has endured a miserable spell at Rodney Parade, with Newport’s inexperienced squad struggling to deliver results amid fan criticism of chairman Huw Jenkins’ recruitment policy.
Newport had hoped for progress in 2025-26, having finished the last campaign in 22nd, with head coach Nelson Jardim leaving the club in April after just under a season in charge.
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