Head coach Jardim leaves Newport by mutual consent

After just under a season in charge of the League Two club, head coach Nelson Jardim has agreed to step down.

The Portuguese coach, 46, signed an initial one-year contract with the organization last summer.

Chairman Huw Jenkins stated, “I have known Nelson for 15 years, and we have always been open and honest with one another.

With only two games left, and our league status now secured, he said, “he felt it was best for the club and him to move on.”

With his wife and two young children still residing in Portugal, Jardim made a statement to BBC Sport Wales last week that he was considering leaving his country for the Exiles.

I have a young family, and we need to evaluate everything, and the changes were for the club and for me as well.

Following Monday’s goalless draw at home to Walsall, Newport claim the decision was reached at a meeting with the club’s chairman Jenkins.

Newport are 20th in League Two with only two games left, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Nelson, who completed the club’s takeover in January 2024, deserves more praise for his hard work, commitment, and loyalty, especially considering that he left his young family in Portugal to take up the position.

“He took on a challenging challenge, making numerous changes to the club’s operations and working processes, including a squad overhaul.

“He intended for the club to remain in League Two during a transitional season so that we could begin building for the future.” He feels like he should look for a new challenge once the job is over, even though it likely took longer than we anticipated.

It also gives us the opportunity to reflect and plan over the final two games as well as the summer, and to choose a replacement as soon as possible based on his thoughts and the timing.

Following Graham Coughlan’s departure in June 2024, Jardim assumed control of the organization, with Jenkins promising a “new direction” for the organization.

In the course of the transfer window last summer, the Exiles signed 17 new players, and now Jenkins is considering making his second managerial appointment.

“It’s been a challenging season at times, but given all the experience we’ve gained over the past 12 months, I think we have a clear understanding of what we need to improve as a team and club,” Jenkins said.

“We will be looking to bring in the right head coach to help us build on those aforementioned 12 months to help us advance the club and challenge for League Two’s top spot.”