New assistant boss Wayne Hatswell has admitted that he wouldn’t have returned to club management for any other team than his beloved Newport County.
A familiar face to Exiles supporters, Hatswell re-joins his hometown club for a third time - a journey which has been long and eventful.
The 50-year-old first arrived as a player in the 2011–12 season before transitioning into coaching, where he carved out a reputation as a loyal and passionate figure.
Across two spells from 2013 to 2022, he served as assistant manager and interim boss, helping the club reach two League Two play-off finals and enjoy several memorable cup runs.
He later followed former County manager Michael Flynn to Walsall and Swindon, before joining the Football Association of Wales in 2024 as Wales Under-17s manager.
Now, he’s back at County once more—ready to tackle another challenge and play his part in promising new chapter.
“This is my third time. I’ve been at the club twice before under different circumstances and different managers,” Hatswell explained.
“First time was with Justin [Edinburgh], which lasted four and a half years. Then Justin left, and I moved on to Gillingham.
“The 'Great Escape' was what brought me back with Michael Flynn, and that stint lasted another five and a half years.
“Now I’ve gone away again and come back for the third time. So, if I can beat five and a half years this time, I must be doing something right for Huw and the manager."
Returning to the touchline wasn’t a decision he took lightly. After time away from club football, including 18 months of international experience and coaching development, it was only County that could pull him back.
“Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have done it if it was any other club,” he admitted. “It’s a club close to my heart. I’ve continued coming to games, even this past season. I love watching, but I’ve missed being involved.
“At the FAW, I wasn’t on the grass day-to-day. I loved the international work – it was brilliant – and we had some success along the way. I’ve also re-educated myself over the last 18 months, which was valuable. “I felt it was time.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I enjoy that. There’s only one way the club can go. When the opportunity came up with Dave, I had a quick chat with my family and my partner. We both love the club. There was no real risk for me.”
Hatswell now links up with newly appointed manager David Hughes, who arrives with an impressive CV shaped by roles at Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Southampton.
While Hughes brings elite academy expertise, Hatswell offers vital Football League knowledge—a combination they hope will serve the club well.
“From the outside, it probably does look like that. Maybe that’s a question more for Dave – why he felt it was important,” he said. “Personally, I don’t think he necessarily needs it.
“He’s a workaholic. He’ll need to adapt to some things, but he’s worked at big clubs where there’s pressure. He knows what it takes to win, and his mindset matches mine.
“It should be a good partnership – that’s why we’re friends.”
Hatswell sees his experience as a support system, not just for the new manager but for the whole club during what promises to be another big League Two campaign.
“As for my league experience, yes, I can help. I’ll be on the front foot and support where needed – with fans, and internally if challenges come up. Problems will always arise, but we’ve got to deal with them head-on.”
With his deep knowledge of Newport, his extensive contacts, and his fire to succeed, Hatswell is ready to help restore belief in the club’s future.
“When the fans are behind us, I know what they can be like. They’re a real 12th man. If they haven’t had much to shout about this year, something’s gone wrong.
“But I know what this place can be when it’s rocking. I’m aware it might take time, and it might not click straight away, but if I can help the manager and the team, that’s what I’m here to do.
“I just want to be professional and win. Simple as that. You said it earlier – you’ve seen what this club can be.”