Newport County chairman, Huw Jenkins, believes the club’s new management team can bring renewed energy to the Exiles and restore pride in the team again.
Having confirmed the appointment of David Hughes (manager), Wayne Hatswell (assistant-manager) and Lee Kendall (head of goalkeeping), the club’s majority owner feels the trio have the right blend to achieve success.
“We’ve brought in a team with the right balance of experience and energy,’’ explained Huw. “The goal is to offer more excitement, more entertainment, and to restore pride in the team.
“Hopefully fans will see a side they enjoy watching — one they can be proud of again.’’
Huw Jenkins Q&A
Q: Why David Hughes and this coaching team?
A: After last season, it felt it was important to bring a different energy into the club. A new coaching team working together is key. All three coaches are Pro Licence holders and have strong knowledge of the local area and its players — something we value highly at Newport County. Getting this done early was important, but we had to wait for the right moment since all three were employed elsewhere.
Q: You're ahead of the game compared to last summer, aren't you?
A: Definitely. Last summer, things could have been handled differently. We still managed to move forward, but I recognised we needed a fresh start — not a complete clean break, but a clean slate. With the new coaching team in place, we’re better prepared going into the new season.
Q: One thing that some fans may note is that David (Hughes) doesn’t have Football League experience as a manager. So why him?
A: That’s never been a major concern for me. First and foremost, we wanted a bright, talented coach. David has great experience — from Cardiff, to the FAW, to Manchester United. While not at Football League level, he's worked with a wide range of players, watched countless matches, built strong contacts, and gained real insight into the game.
Newport County is about giving people a platform. David is at the right stage of his career to step up, and after many discussions, it was clear he was the right fit. Importantly, his knowledge of our current squad is excellent, which puts us in a strong position to build.
Q: There wasn’t a lack of interest in the job, was there?
A: No, and that’s changed compared to last year. Last season I had to work hard to generate interest. But after the year we’ve had, people see us as a more settled club now. In League Two, building success can take time — two or three seasons — unless you catch lightning in a bottle. We’ve lacked momentum, especially before I arrived, and that’s something we’re determined to restore.
Q: Was it important to have someone like Wayne Hatswell — an experienced operator — alongside David?
A: Yes. When talking with David about potential staff, Wayne's name came up immediately. He has a long-standing connection with the club, is a Pro Licence coach himself, and brings a wealth of experience from working with the FAW. He's the solid number two we were looking for.
Q: And Lee Kendall— fans may remember his dad Mark.
A: Yes, Mark was a well-known goalkeeper — over 270 appearances. Lee has built a reputation as one of the best goalkeeper coaches in Wales. Securing him is another strong addition to the coaching team.
Q: What do you feel the new team inherits from last season?
A: I don’t think we saw the best of the squad last year. We shifted between playing styles and lacked consistency — something that young players really need. A number of those players are still with us and will benefit greatly from the new coaching approach. If we add four or five experienced players in key areas, we’ll be in a much stronger position.
Q: Last summer you did much of the recruitment work yourself. Will the new coaches take on more of that?
A: Yes. Every manager has their own approach. David is very proactive — his phone’s ringing non-stop with calls from contacts and agents. I’m pleased with that. It means we can all feed into the process: Dave, Wayne, Lee, Chris Finn, and myself. Ultimately, I make sure the financial side aligns with the club's goals, but recruitment decisions will be a collaborative effort.
Q: Do you know how many players you need? What’s the status with those you've offered contracts to?
A: We’ve made offers, and we’re waiting on responses. David is fully across all of it. There may still be changes — players assessing their role under the new regime. But we know we need four or five experienced signings in vital areas. David’s contacts — and ours at clubs like Cardiff, Swansea, and Bristol — will hopefully help bring in a few loan players or squad additions.
Q: What have you told David and his staff about your ambitions for next season?
A: We need to improve on last season — that’s the baseline. But we need consistency throughout. The aim is to be in the top half, looking up, not down. We're not under any illusions — this takes time. But the changes we’re making now are all designed to push the club forward.
Q: And finally, your message to the fans?
A: We’ve made these changes with the best intentions. We’ve brought in a team with the right balance of experience and energy. The goal is to offer more excitement, more entertainment, and to restore pride in the team. Hopefully fans will see a side they enjoy watching — one they can be proud of again.