Latest Newport County signing Habeeb Ogunneye has revealed the opportunity to link up with manager Dave Hughes was one that was too good to turn down following his arrival on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old right-back has become a regular fixture of the Red Devils’ under-21 set up over the past couple of years. It was here that the ex-England under-17 international first linked up with Hughes, who had operated as a coach at Old Trafford prior to joining the Exiles in May.
It’s an opportunity that has offered the former Shrewsbury Town defender his first senior managerial role after Nelson Jardim left the club by mutual consent in April. He has already started shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign, with Ogunneye the seventh new face at Rodney Parade.
Ogunneye Delighted At Hughes Reunion
The move to League Two offers the defender his first chance to gain regular first team football. He got a small taste last season when he made three appearances for the 20-time English champions in the EFL Trophy against Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town.
Speaking following his move to the Welsh-based club, Ogunneye told official club media that the chance to reunite with Hughes made the deal an easy decision:
“Once I knew Newport were interested and Dave Hughes was there then it was an easy decision for me. I worked closely with him at Manchester United for two years and he is a great coach. He taught me a lot, and I have the utmost respect for him.
“It was an important decision for me because it is my first loan in senior football. I felt the time was right for me to take the step and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“I met and trained with the squad on Monday, and they have been great with me. They are all willing to work hard, set standards, and I want to play my part.
“I want to play as many games as I can and help the team be successful.’’
Writer’s View
This is a fantastic opportunity for Ogunneye to take his first step into senior football under the stewardship of a man who knows him well. As a result, Hughes will allow the defender time to bed into his new surroundings and ease him into the team. The new manager knows exactly what the teenager is capable of and certainly won’t throw him in at the deep end. Nurtured correctly, this could be a key signing for Newport.
