New Newport County owner Huw Jenkins has admitted that the opportunity to help rebuild the Exiles was “too good to turn down”.
The club’s new chairman completed the 52 per cent purchase of the League Two club today after the EFL approved the takeover following a lengthy Acquisition of Control process.
It means a return to top-flight professional football for the Neath-based businessman for the first time since leaving the helm of Swansea City nearly five years ago.
“The challenge to own, build and run Newport County was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. One I couldn’t turn down,’’ declared Huw. “And I would like to thank the supporters and the Trust for allowing me the opportunity.
“Having built up years of experience at all levels of football, I strongly believe that anything is possible when you have strong leadership and knowledge.
“To create a well-run and respected football club, there must be a clear direction with strong leadership from top to bottom. I hope to bring that to Newport County.’’
While matters on the pitch will remain Huw’s primary focus, County’s new chief will also prioritise revitalising the club’s business operations, with five immediate goals.
- To make the club financially sustainable. To achieve this, the club needs to increase revenues across all areas, such as commercial, prioritise cost control and improve financial reporting.
- Strive to form long-term and beneficial partnerships with key organisations such Newport City Council, local universities and the FAW to explore ways of improving the training facilities for the first team and the academy.
- To work closely with the Dragons to reduce stadium running costs and matchday staging fees in order to help establish Rodney Parade as a more affordable venue for both rugby and football to thrive in south east Wales.
- Change the culture and overall mentality at Newport County to one of belief and ambition. To set higher expectations and challenges from the top to the bottom of the club.
- To work closely with the Supporters Trust and all other fan groups, while rebuilding the trust within the city and the business community of Newport. Improving communication within the fanbase and the local community is key to achieving this.
“Newport County has an amazing story,’’ added Huw. “To come through everything it has from going bust, out of the league, playing in exile and then returning to the EFL is nothing short of a miracle.
“Now it’s another chapter and I’m determined, committed and motivated to work hard for this football club to achieve something special.’’
Meanwhile, the Supporters’ Trust was quick to officially welcome Huw to the club, stating: “We have already built a strong working relationship with Huw in readiness for today.
“The Trust will continue to play an important role in the running of the club and now is as good a time for supporters to join the Trust as any.
“This is a landmark day for the club we all support and love. We can look forward to a positive future for the club under this new ownership model with Huw at the helm.”