David Hughes and Wayne Hatswell speak for first time on being appointed by Newport County

David Hughes and Wayne Hatswell speak for first time on being appointed by Newport County, who finished 22nd in League Two for 2024/25.

Hughes has been appointed as the new manager, and is joined by assistant manager Wayne Hatswell, and Lee Kendall as head of goalkeeping.

The duo look to establish clear standards, with other aims to build a resilient team, and create an exciting, fan-supported atmosphere at Rodney Parade.

Hughes is confident in his readiness to lead Newport, supported by a strong coaching team including Hatswell and Kendall.

Recruitment will focus on players with energy and experience suited to League Two.

Hatswell’s return is driven by his loyalty to Newport, bringing vital league know-how and a shared winning mindset with Hughes.

Newport County’s new manager David Hughes says he is fully ready to embrace the challenge of League Two and is determined to restore pride and passion at Rodney Parade.

Hughes joins the Exiles on a two-year deal from Manchester United, where he played a key role in the club’s world-renowned academy setup.

A highly respected coach in youth development and elite performance, the 47-year-old is now stepping into senior management for the first time — and with clear purpose.

“Leaving a great club like Manchester United is never easy, but I’m excited about what lies ahead here,” said Hughes, per the club website.

“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.”

While he leaves behind the stature of Old Trafford, Hughes is confident that now is the right time to take his experience to the next level.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with outstanding people and coaches at United. Not just for what they do on the pitch, but what they stand for.

“I feel fortunate to have worked in such a world-class development setup, not just for United but for the wider game. Now feels like the right time to step into senior football and bring what I’ve learned over the past 20 years to this role.”

On the challenges of moving from academy football to the intensity of the EFL: “I feel 100% ready. 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.”

On Wayne Hatswell and Lee Kendall: “When managers are appointed, I always look at their staff. Different skill sets are essential. 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.”

Hughes is no stranger to Newport County, having attended matches over the years and witnessed first-hand the atmosphere that Rodney Parade can generate. He’s now eager to give fans something to believe in again.

“At Newport, there’s an expectation to deliver every day — for the staff, the players, and for the fans. The challenge is something I welcome.

“When Newport has momentum, it’s a tough place to come. Fans want sweat on the shirt, commitment, energy, and positivity. That’s the foundation.

“Every time a player puts on the Newport shirt, they need to understand what it represents. We represent the people of Newport, and the badge needs to stand for something.

“We’ll be difficult to play against — that’s the backbone — and from there, we’ll build our style.”

Hughes’ coaching pedigree is as extensive as it is impressive. In addition to his time at Manchester United, he’s held senior roles at Cardiff City and Southampton as Head of Academy Coaching, and spent four years managing the Wales Under-17 national team.

A former Premier League footballer with Aston Villa, Hughes was forced to retire at the age of 26 due to injury, having also played for Carlisle United, Shrewsbury Town, and Cardiff City. He represented Wales internationally and later moved seamlessly into coaching, with spells at Watford, Shrewsbury, Aston Villa, and Southampton.

His experiences have shaped a clear coaching identity — one based on standards, resilience, and consistency.

“Work for us has already started. We’ve discussed player returns, pre-season structure, and the messages we need to deliver.

“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 instill key ideas daily, not just on matchdays. On good days or bad, the standards must be evident.”

With recruitment plans under way, Hughes is targeting players who embody the values of Newport County.

“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.

“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.”

New assistant boss Wayne Hatswell has admitted that he wouldn’t have returned to club management for any other team than his beloved Newport County.

A familiar face to Exiles supporters, Hatswell re-joins his hometown club for a third time – a journey which has been long and eventful.

The 50-year-old first arrived as a player in the 2011–12 season before transitioning into coaching, where he carved out a reputation as a loyal and passionate figure.

Across two spells from 2013 to 2022, he served as assistant manager and interim boss, helping the club reach two League Two play-off finals and enjoy several memorable cup runs.

He later followed former County manager Michael Flynn to Walsall and Swindon, before joining the Football Association of Wales in 2024 as Wales Under-17s manager.

Now, he’s back at County once more—ready to tackle another challenge and play his part in promising new chapter.

“This is my third time. I’ve been at the club twice before under different circumstances and different managers,” Hatswell explained to the club website.

“First time was with Justin [Edinburgh], which lasted four and a half years. Then Justin left, and I moved on to Gillingham.

“The ‘Great Escape’ was what brought me back with Michael Flynn, and that stint lasted another five and a half years.

“Now I’ve gone away again and come back for the third time. So, if I can beat five and a half years this time, I must be doing something right for Huw and the manager.”

Returning to the touchline wasn’t a decision he took lightly. After time away from club football, including 18 months of international experience and coaching development, it was only County that could pull him back.

“Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have done it if it was any other club,” he admitted. “It’s a club close to my heart. I’ve continued coming to games, even this past season. I love watching, but I’ve missed being involved.

“At the FAW, I wasn’t on the grass day-to-day. I loved the international work – it was brilliant – and we had some success along the way. I’ve also re-educated myself over the last 18 months, which was valuable. “I felt it was time.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I enjoy that. There’s only one way the club can go. When the opportunity came up with Dave, I had a quick chat with my family and my partner. We both love the club. There was no real risk for me.”

Hatswell now links up with newly appointed manager David Hughes, who arrives with an impressive CV shaped by roles at Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Southampton.

While Hughes brings elite academy expertise, Hatswell offers vital Football League knowledge—a combination they hope will serve the club well.

“From the outside, it probably does look like that. Maybe that’s a question more for Dave – why he felt it was important,” he said. “Personally, I don’t think he necessarily needs it.

“He’s a workaholic. He’ll need to adapt to some things, but he’s worked at big clubs where there’s pressure. He knows what it takes to win, and his mindset matches mine.

“It should be a good partnership – that’s why we’re friends.”

Hatswell sees his experience as a support system, not just for the new manager but for the whole club during what promises to be another big League Two campaign.

“As for my league experience, yes, I can help. I’ll be on the front foot and support where needed – with fans, and internally if challenges come up. Problems will always arise, but we’ve got to deal with them head-on.”

With his deep knowledge of Newport, his extensive contacts, and his fire to succeed, Hatswell is ready to help restore belief in the club’s future.

“When the fans are behind us, I know what they can be like. They’re a real 12th man. If they haven’t had much to shout about this year, something’s gone wrong.

“But I know what this place can be when it’s rocking. I’m aware it might take time, and it might not click straight away, but if I can help the manager and the team, that’s what I’m here to do.

“I just want to be professional and win. Simple as that. You said it earlier – you’ve seen what this club can be.”