Newport County is pleased to confirm that Nelson Jardim has agreed a contract to become the club’s new head coach.
Having originally taken the title of lead coach, chairman Huw Jenkins explained: “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.
“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 and Champions League winner to Leicester City a year later.
From there he returned to Portugal to become assistant manager at LigaPro side Nacional before returning to Swansea in 2017 as a lead academy coach and then first team coach under Francesco Guidolin, Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal.
He departed the Liberty Stadium to become part of Aitor Karanka’s coaching team at Birmingham City in 2020, before returning home to become Maritimo B manager in his native Portugal.
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. Club legends David Pipe and Mark O’Brien will also remain part of the first team set-up.
The club has also appointed a new head physio in Triston Jenkins who will oversee the club’s medical department following extensive experience in the NHS, Swansea City Academy, Haverfordwest County and the WRU.