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Newport’s David Hughes: ‘Let’s not look over the fence at what other people have’
After three years at Manchester United’s academy, 47-year-old is adapting to life as a League Two manager
David Hughes, the new manager of Newport County, is a man who knows the value of discretion. “I don’t want to name-drop,” he says with a chuckle, when asked about the influential coaches in his career. Having spent the last three years at Manchester United in a pivotal academy role, Hughes is no stranger to the big leagues. Before that, he honed his skills at Aston Villa, Cardiff, and Southampton, clubs where he also played. Now, at 47, he’s stepping into the spotlight as a League Two manager, a role that’s both a challenge and a testament to his extensive experience.
Transitioning from the grandeur of Manchester United to the more modest setting of Newport County is no small feat. The close season is always a time of change, but for Hughes, it’s been a dramatic shift. Newport, with one of the smallest budgets in League Two, is a far cry from the global powerhouse of United. Yet, Hughes is undeterred. He’s brought in two performance analysts to bolster his team, creating a tight-knit operation that contrasts sharply with the sprawling structure of United’s academy. “Big, big clubs have huge numbers of staff, different levels of responsibility and accountability,” Hughes reflects. “But we’re really pleased with our small staff. We came back for pre-season and the goals were green from last season, so we went out as staff cleaning the goalposts and I’m thinking: ‘We’ve got a team here.’ Everybody’s prepared to muck in.”
Hughes’ approach is refreshingly down-to-earth. He’s not interested in comparing Newport to the giants of the football world. Instead, he’s focused on building a cohesive team, one that’s willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. It’s a mentality that’s already paying dividends, as the team works together to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.
For Hughes, this new chapter is about more than just football. It’s an opportunity to instill a sense of camaraderie and resilience in his players, qualities that are essential for success in the lower leagues. As he navigates the ups and downs of management, Hughes remains committed to his vision for Newport County. He’s not looking over the fence at what other clubs have; he’s focused on making the most of what he’s got.
In the world of football, where the grass often seems greener on the other side, Hughes’ perspective is a breath of fresh air. He’s not chasing after the glitz and glamour of the Premier League; he’s building something special at Newport, one step at a time.