Director of Football decision
Tim Harris has accepted an offer from Gloucester City FC to become manager of the Football Conference North side with immediate effect.Newport County AFC would like to place on record their gratitude for the many years of service Tim has contributed to 'The Exiles' in various capacities and, in particular, his role as Director of Football in recent times working with the Management and Players of the club to achieve the dream of returning to the Football League.
Newport County AFC Chairman Les Scadding echoed these sentiments: 'Since I have been involved with the club Tim Harris has worked tirelessly with myself, Justin Edinburgh and the Board in driving Newport County AFC forward and his belief that League football would be seen at Newport again was a major factor in ultimately achieving this goal in May 2013. On behalf of the club I would like to thank Tim for all his work at Newport County AFC and wish him every success in his new adventure.'
Manager Justin Edinburgh also paid tribute to a man he has worked closely with since arriving at Newport: 'Tim Harris was instrumental in bringing me to this club and we struck up a fantastic working relationship as well as a great friendship during our time together here. I am sad to see Tim leave but we all have our ties and this is a good opportunity at a place he knows well. Since I arrived at the County it has been an amazing time for the club due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of Tim and he can leave with his head held high and I personally wish Tim all the very best in his new challenge.'
Tim Harris confirmed it was an agonising decision: 'The events of the last few days have not sat easily with me. I have obviously great admiration for everyone at Newport County AFC. I have spent well over a decade from a youngster trying to break into the professional ranks to managing the team for over 5 years and fulfilling the dream of playing a part of a historic return to the Football League, overseeing two promotions and two Wembley appearances as Director of Football. I cannot speak highly enough about the passion of the fans and everyone associated at Newport County, a very special family. It really has been a difficult decision and I leave with a heavy heart and wish everyone continued success.'
The club wish Tim Harris all the best in his new position and he knows that he will always be welcome at the County.