Man Utd's Hughes in line to become Newport boss

David Hughes is a former Wales Under-17 coach

Manchester United academy coach David Hughes has emerged as the leading contender for the vacant manager's job at Newport County.

Welshman Hughes, 47, is part of the coaching staff for United's development phase squad.

But the former Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town and Cardiff City defender is in line to leave Old Trafford to take his first senior managerial role at Newport.

The League Two club have been without a permanent boss since Nelson Jardim departed by mutual consent on 24 April.

Hughes was head of academy at Cardiff before joining United in August 2022.

He previously worked in youth coaching at Southampton and Watford as well as former clubs Villa and Shrewsbury.

Chairman Huw Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales last weekend that Newport wanted Jardim's replacement to be named in May, and it could now be that an appointment is made as early as next week.

The Exiles finished the 2024-25 campaign just one place above the relegation zone in 22nd after a late-season slump which saw them win only one of their final 12 league games.

Assistant boss Dafydd Williams was at the helm for two games following Jardim's exit and said he hoped to remain at the club, but Newport have announced that he will depart alongside goalkeeper coach Rob Thomas, with Williams since confirmed as the new manager of Southern League Premier Division South side Gloucester City.

The likelihood is that Hughes will bring in some experienced backroom staff should his appointment be confirmed.

Hughes, who was born in Wrexham, began his coaching career with Barry Town and then worked for Port Talbot Town, and also had a spell working for the Football Association of Wales.

Williams has left Newport having joined the club's staff when Graham Coughlan was in charge in 2023, while Thomas arrived from Haverfordwest County last October.

Speaking about the two departures on the club website, Jenkins said: "It goes without saying that we thank both Daf and Rob for their efforts and commitment to the club during their time here.

"I am sure they will both be successful with their new challenges ahead and everyone at the club wishes them well for the future.''

Newport added that as well as "finalising" a new management team, they are working on a list of which players will be released and retained this summer.