Former Leicester defender Fuchs named Newport boss

Christian Fuchs won the 2015-16 Premier League and 2020-21 FA Cup with Leicester

Former Leicester City defender Christian Fuchs has been appointed manager of Newport County on a "long-term contract".

The 39-year-old was part of the Leicester team which won the Premier League in 2016, and has most recently been working as assistant coach of Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

County sacked David Hughes after their 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town last Saturday with the Exiles bottom of League Two.

"We see Christian as the sort of man to lead our club forward. I believe he matches our ambition and goals for Newport County," said chairman Huw Jenkins.

"I do feel we can now look forward with a great deal of optimism. We'll look to improve our current situation in League Two and take things from there.

"Christian is ambitious and wants, one day, to manage in the Premier League. We believe he shares our strong belief in what Newport County can eventually become."

Under Hughes, who took charge in the summer, Newport won only three of 16 League Two games.

The loss to Shrewsbury saw the slip to four points adrift of safety, prompting Hughes' exit.

Fuchs, who won 78 caps for Austria, will begin his first managerial role with a trip to Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

The former left-back announced his retirement from playing in January 2023, having finished his career with Charlotte FC.