Coughlan issues statement after Newport exit

Former Newport County boss Graham Coughlan thanked the Exiles for the "great memories" made during his tenure as manager at Rodney Parade.

Coughlan steered Newport clear of relegation in his first campaign at the helm, but after briefly flirting with the play-offs, the 2023-24 season ended with eight consecutive defeats.

Chairman Huw Jenkins admitted the decision to part company with Coughlan earlier this month was "particularly difficult", but stressed he wanted to "take the club and the team in a different direction".

And Coughlan has since issued a statement to thank supporters after the club "very nearly made the impossible happen".

“To the staff and players of Newport County, I want to express my gratitude and admiration to you all and say that it was an honour, a privilege and a pleasure to work with you guys over the last two seasons," he said in a statement published by the League Managers Association.

“To our fantastic fans, we had our highs and lows, but the loyal and unwavering support you gave us was unbelievable and very much appreciated by me, the staff and the players.

“Constantly fighting against all odds is never easy, but the players got on with it and gave their all every day, running through brick walls and up holding the values and principles of the Newport people.

“We achieved a lot in the last two seasons, made some great memories and very nearly made the impossible happen.

“Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone at the club for the coming season.”

Despite not having a manager at present, Newport have signed six players this week.

The Exiles begin the 2024-25 campaign at Cheltenham Town on 10 August.