Justin Edinburgh joins Gillingham
Newport County AFC can confirm that a compensation agreement has been reached to allow Manager Justin Edinburgh to join Gillingham FC.Ahead of the trip to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon Assistant Manager Jimmy Dack will become caretaker Manager, with First Team Coach Wayne Hatswell assisting him for the foreseeable future.
Justin joined County in October 2011 and guided County out of the Conference relegation zone and to safety in his first season, his first season also included a trip to Wembley for the FA Trophy final, a game County lost, but a proud day for the football club.
In his second season with County Justin won his first five games of the season earning him the title of Conference Manager of the month, the good performances continued under Justin with County finishing third in the Conference Premier and into the Playoffs. After guiding County through a two legged semi-final against Grimbsy Town to earn a second appearance at Wembley against Wrexham. Following a 2-0 victory over Wrexham, Edinburgh had successfully guided County back into the Football League after a 25 year absence, earning Justin Conference Manager of the year, but also a place in Newport County AFC history as the Manager that got the club back to the Football League, a feat that he will always be remembered for at the club.
In our first season back in the Football League Justin guided the club to safety finishing 14th in the League, but also guiding the club past Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup. This season Justin has managed the team into the League Two Playoffs and leaves the club in a strong position for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.
The club would like to put on record our thanks for Justin Edinburgh's commitment and dedication during his time with Newport County AFC, Justin has left the Football Club in a far better position than when he joined and we wish him all the best in his role with Gillingham FC.