By Paul Jones
Newport County could turn to former Swansea City U23 coach Cameron Toshack after sacking Graham Coughlan.
County parted company with Coughlan by “mutual consent” after 20 months as their manager, but the reality is that recently appointed chairman Huw Jenkins wanted a new man at the helm.
That could well be Toshack, who Jenkins knows well from their time together at the Swans.
Newport County can confirm that manager Graham Coughlan has left his post at the club by mutual consent.#OneClubOneCounty
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) June 20, 2024
Coughlan had the title of manager, but Jenkins will appoint a head coach and take over much of the key decision-making himself around recruitment and other aspects on the playing side.
Toshack has been out of football since departing then Premier League outfit Leeds United, where he was an assistant to Jesse Marsch, last season.
County finished 18th in League Two last season,13 points above the relegation zone, and reached the FA Cup fourth round, where they lost at home to Manchester United.
Farewell Graham Coughlan, a man who led the club with class and dignity and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/nXjYOK7oxL
— Newport County Thoughts (@NCAFCThoughts) June 20, 2024
But the Exiles lost their last eight matches of the campaign, a run of games in which they scored just four goals.
Jenkins told the club website: “I have total respect for Graham and found this decision particularly difficult to make considering all the hard work he has put in to help stabilise the club over the last 18 months.
“It goes without saying that I wish Graham every success in his future managerial career.
“However, moving forward I must take the club and the team in a different direction and stay true to my own beliefs which I feel over time will bring sustained success to Newport County and hopefully change the club’s outlook for many years ahead.”
Disappointed that County boss Coughlan has gone because he was great to deal with.
Clear that Jenkins is going to have his fingers in a lot of pies, hence a search for a 'head coach'.
Big boots to fill.https://t.co/dENEvOIGHp
— Chris Kirwan (@c_kirwan) June 20, 2024