Welsh Legends Criticize Newport County's Sacking of Manager David Hughes

According to former Wales players Nathan Blake and Danny Gabbidon, the writing was on the wall for David Hughes as manager of Newport County. The 47-year-old was relieved of his duties last month, just 6 months after being appointed to the role.

Hughes' dismissal came following a 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town, a result that left Newport rooted to the bottom of League Two with only 3 wins from their 16 matches so far this season. Gabbidon, a former Wales defender and captain, noted that it was "always going to be a difficult first senior role in management" for Hughes, who had previously worked as a youth coach at Manchester United.

Blake, a former Wales striker, was even more blunt, saying the news of Hughes' impending departure was "the worst-kept secret in football" and that "everybody knew it" was coming unless he could engineer a miraculous turnaround. With Newport now 4 points adrift of safety, the club is now searching for its fifth permanent manager since Mike Flynn departed in 2021.

The Exiles' poor start to the season and Hughes' inability to arrest the slide have led to increased scrutiny of the club's recruitment policy under chairman Huw Jenkins. As Newport look to the future, the search is on for a new manager who can steer them away from the relegation zone.