David Hughes has revealed it was the persuasive powers of chairman Huw Jenkins that convinced Newport County’s new manager to swap Old Trafford for Rodney Parade.
County have officially unveiled Hughes as their new boss with the Welsh coach eager to take on the challenge of leading the League Two side up the table following a difficult campaign.
Hughes, 47, leaves his role as under-21 coach and assistant manager at Manchester United to sign a two-year deal at Rodney Parade.
His appointment follows the recent departure of Nelson Jardim, who exited the club in April after securing the team’s league status.
While this will be Hughes’ first full-time managerial role in senior football, he arrives with an impressive coaching résumé shaped by spells at Aston Villa, Cardiff City, Southampton, and the Football Association of Wales, as well as recent success with United's youth setup.
Speaking about his decision to step into the top job, Hughes said he had no hesitation after hearing the ambitions of Newport owner Jenkins, the former Swansea City chairman.
“Leaving a great club like Manchester United is never easy, but I'm excited about what lies ahead here,” said Hughes.
“You build relationships with people and that makes decisions like this challenging.
“But after speaking to the chairman [Huw Jenkins] on a few occasions, it became a straightforward decision in terms of the challenge ahead and the shared vision for the club.”
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Jenkins has tasked Hughes with rejuvenating a youthful squad that finished 22nd in League Two last season. His brief includes both player development and improving results on the pitch.
To support the transition, Hughes will be joined by a familiar face at Rodney Parade, with Wayne Hatswell returning as assistant manager.
Hatswell was a key part of Michael Flynn’s coaching staff during Newport’s memorable cup runs and play-off pushes, and briefly served as interim boss after Flynn's departure.
His experience in League Two is seen as a valuable asset to complement Hughes’ fresh leadership and coaching pedigree.
Hatswell will leave his role with the FAW’s national U17s to rejoin the Exiles.
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Also joining the backroom team is Lee Kendall, who takes over as head of goalkeeping.
The son of Newport legend Mark Kendall, he brings coaching experience from clubs such as Cardiff City, Bristol City, and Sheffield United, as well as time with England Women and Fleetwood Town.
Now at the helm, Hughes will begin shaping Newport’s squad alongside Jenkins, with contract negotiations underway for senior players Nick Townsend, James Clarke, Shane McLoughlin, and Aaron Wildig.
Strengthening central midfield and the attacking line are expected to be key areas of focus in the summer transfer window.
Though Hughes is stepping away from one of the world’s biggest clubs, he made clear that the opportunity to lead Newport County and help shape its future was too compelling to pass up.
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