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.
“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.”
Despite the challenges of moving from academy football to the intensity of the EFL, Hughes is embracing the pressure and relishing the opportunity to lead from the front.
“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.”
Among those joining Hughes in the dugout are Wayne Hatswell — who returns to the club with a deep understanding of the culture — and experienced coach 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.”