Newport County head coach leaves by mutual consent with temporary replacement confirmed

Newport County’s outgoing head coach Nelson Jardim believes he can return to his native Portugal with his head held high after “completing the job” he was asked to do.

Jardim left Rodney Parade by mutual consent today after Monday’s goalless draw with Walsall secured the club’s status in League Two for a 13^thconsecutive campaign.

With his 12-month contract due to expire at the end of the season, Jardim felt it was in everybody’s interests to come to a decision on his future at the earliest opportunity.

“The plan was always to meet (with chairman Huw Jenkins) at the end of the season to discuss the future,’’ explained Jardim, who joined the club in July. “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.’’

Everyone at Newport County thanks Nelson for his fantastic contribution and wishes him all the best in the future. 

Newport County can confirm that Dafydd Williams will take interim charge of the first team for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

Joining the existing backroom staff for the final two fixtures will be experienced players Aaron Wildig and James Clarke, who continue their recovery from injury and will provide additional support off the pitch.

“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity now in these last two games to finish the season on a positive through our performances and results,” said Williams, who joined the club as first team coach at the beginning of last season.

“It was brilliant to get mathematically safe on Monday, but we are just as determined and focused on finishing strong and give the supporters plenty to look forward to next season.”

This is how fans reacted as Newport County head coach leaves by mutual consent with temporary replacement confirmed…

@Rhysws2005: What a day. Just shouted in the office

@uncleleeds: Right decision.

@AaronNCAFC__: HES GONEEEEE

@Gabe2836: Just jumped for joy cheers lads

@AndrewPenman1: Not a major surprise, but thought he’d have the final two games. Nelson is a nice guy, was great to deal with, and kept a young County squad in the EFL on a small budget, but a parting of the ways feels like the right decision

@charlieej_: YESSSSSSS thank FUCK he’s not staying another season 🕺🕺

@jmwdesignss: I certainly hope the new manager bounce won’t come into effect on the final day…

@charlieej_: yk what tbf he got told to keep us up and he did and he done his job so fairs, but im glad he’s gone because my eyes can’t watch anymore jardim ball

@TintyBucketHats: Had a tough job on his hands. With no experience in management, steered us to safety. Give the man the credit to step up & do the hard task with these youngsters 🖤🧡 Diolch Nelson

@lukerobins: Can we go for someone proven at this level now – like Darrell Clarke

@CymruOllie: Certainly didn’t expect this to be announced. Regardless of your thoughts, Nelson did what was asked of him & given everyone’s expectations, did a pretty good job of it too. I truly hope he lands into a tidy job wherever he ends up next. The next appointment is crucial 🧡

@Gabe2836: It’s a shame it never worked out with Jardim, he seemed like a nice bloke with the best intentions but it never really worked. However he did his job and kept us up, however scrappy it seemed, wish him all the best wherever he goes next UTC

@c94_utc: Never expected it with two games to go tbh. Fair play.

@NEWA69: Correct decision by Jardim and the club. We couldn’t go through this next season. Thanks for keeping us in L2, all the best for the future.

@LloydeeHarper: Thankyou nelson. Given a really challenging task of integrating a significant amount of new, young players while dealing with the loss of experienced heads and managed to keep us somewhat level. Seems a decent guy too who clearly cares about the club

@DaiBach125: Thank you for keeping us up. (Just) Glad you’re proud of yourself, (really) and good bye.