Newport County are assessing candidates for the vacant manager role after parting company with David Hughes, with several familiar names already emerging in the early discussions.
The decision to dismiss David Hughes followed a 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town which left Newport County adrift at the bottom of League Two.
Chairman Huw Jenkins acted after a run of results that produced only 3 league wins from 16 matches, ending Hughes’ 6-month tenure. Attention has now turned to the appointment of a 5th permanent boss in 4 years as the club seek stability before the season slips further out of their grasp.
Newport County AFC can confirm that, following a disappointing start to the season, the club has parted company with Head Coach Dave Hughes and Assistant Manager Wayne Hatswell.#OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/yGjW8vfung
— Newport County (@NewportCounty) November 15, 2025
Jenkins Moves Quickly As Familiar Candidates Enter Frame
With the pressure rising and supporter frustration directed not only at the dugout but also at the hierarchy, chairman Huw Jenkins is expected to move quickly. The South Wales Argus report notes that the club’s decision to remove assistant Wayne Hatswell at the same time suggests a clean slate and an intention to install a new manager ahead of the upcoming trip to Oldham Athletic.
The most prominent name linked is former Exiles boss Michael Flynn, who delivered one of the club’s great escapes in 2017. Flynn is currently out of work and remains a popular figure among sections of the fanbase, although there is no indication yet that Newport have made contact. Questions also remain over whether his direct style would align with Jenkins’ preferred approach.
Cameron Toshack is another figure who has come close to the job before and is again expected to feature in conversations. His history working with Jenkins at Swansea City provides a connection that cannot be overlooked, particularly at a club looking for someone the chairman trusts.
Garry Monk is understood to be another candidate with previous links to Jenkins and fits the profile of an experienced manager capable of steadying a struggling squad.
Wildcard Options And Internal Possibilities Considered
Alongside the more predictable names, several wildcard candidates are also being discussed. Rhys Carr, currently assistant at Bristol City, is seen as a progressive option who may appeal to Jenkins’ preference for a possession-based style. Meanwhile former Wales boss Rob Page remains an outside contender, although his availability and interest are unclear.
Inside the club, Lee Kendall remains on staff and cannot be ruled out entirely. Kendall has acted as a steady presence through a turbulent period and is well regarded internally, but Newport appear more likely to look externally in order to reset the direction of the first team. One name who can effectively be dismissed is Steve Evans, whose combustible approach is considered incompatible with the structure the club are trying to build.
FT | It ends in defeat #OneClubOneCounty pic.twitter.com/DfxOzpYBQO
— Newport County (@NewportCounty) November 15, 2025
The key factors in the final decision will centre on player development, resource management and the ability to generate immediate improvements in both penalty areas. Hughes frequently spoke about his squad’s effort and commitment, but the numbers were stark, with 22 goals scored and 36 conceded across his 22 matches. The next appointment must address those issues instantly while navigating a squad assembled under budget constraints and with limited experience.
Newport expect to move quickly and the timing of Hatswell’s departure strongly suggests the club want a new manager in place before facing Oldham Athletic. With the landscape already shaped by familiar names and a chairman seeking control and cohesion, the identity of the next Exiles boss may become clear sooner rather than later.
