NEWPORT County have appointed Nelson Jardim as their new head coach.

Former Swansea City and Leicester City coach Jardim replaces Graham Coughlan in the hot seat, at the League Two side.

Jardim will be joined by assistant head coach Dafydd Williams, goalkeeping coach Jim Hollman, head of performance Scott Wickens (strength and conditioning) and head analyst Connor McGaharan.

 

Newport chairman Huw Jenkins told the club's website: “One or two matters needed to be discussed and agreed during the last few weeks before this announcement could be confirmed.

“Leaving his young family in Madeira (Portugal) to move to Newport and take up this challenge was a big decision for him to make.

"The club also needed written confirmation of Nelson’s settled status in the UK, which we have now received.

“Nelson has made a big impact at Newport County over recent weeks, not only with the staff and players, but he has also been instrumental in helping to bring a strong, positive feel around the club.

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“Hopefully today’s update will allow everyone connected to the club from the staff, players and supporters to fully focus on the exciting new season ahead.’’

Jardim initially joined Swansea City as a coach under manager Paulo Sousa in 2009, before following the former Portuguese international to Leicester City a year later.

He was then appointed Portuguese side Nacional's assistant manager before returning to Swansea in 2017 as a lead academy coach.

 

He progressed to Swansea's first team coach under Francesco Guidolin, Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal before leaving the Liberty Stadium to link up with Aitor Karanka at Birmingham City in 2020.

Jardim then returned home to become Maritimo B manager in his native Portugal.