Hughes 'relaxed' ahead of League Two managerial debut

Newport County boss David Hughes insists he does not feel nervous ahead of his League Two managerial debut on Saturday.

The Exiles host Notts County at Rodney Parade in their opening league game of the campaign – having won their first competitive game in midweek, and EFL Cup win at Barnet on penalties.

Hughes succeeded Nelson Jardim as County manager in May, leaving his role as a youth coach at Manchester United having previously been head of academy at Cardiff City.

The 47-year-old also worked in youth coaching at Southampton and Watford as well as with Wales' age-grade teams, including assistant manager of the Under-21s.

After briefly managing Barry Town in the Welsh Premier when his playing career came to a premature end due to injury, Hughes returns to managing in senior football.

"I feel really relaxed about it," Hughes told BBC Sport Wales.

"When you work with the players and you try and prepare them the best way you possibly can and see how receptive they've been it becomes relaxing on the touchline.

"The preparation is done, you're trying to help and support them throughout the game with little bits of information.

"So the players should be excited for the first game of the season. You work for six weeks for that first game.

"Let's hope the place is bouncing, really good atmosphere and we make it really difficult and hostile for Notts County."