Newport can succeed with possession game - Jardim

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption, Nelson Jardim has had spells on the staff at Swansea City, Leicester City and Birmingham City

New boss Nelson Jardim is convinced Newport County can emulate the style of play he experienced at Swansea City and be successful in League Two.

Jardim is looking to play possession-based football having been upgraded from lead coach to head coach at Rodney Parade.

The approach is reminiscent of the style instilled by Newport chairman Huw Jenkins during his successful reign at Swansea.

Asked if Newport could play Swansea-style possession football in the fourth tier, Jardim declared: "Of course, otherwise I would not be here.

"At least we will try, that is the thought behind it. Obviously styles change but we have an idea to play possession-based football with an eye always to score goals."

Jardim, who has also coached in his native Portugal, says he wants to play football which will leave fans "proud of their players and their club".

"The style of play is probably what attracted me to come back to Wales, where I was happy with my family and again be part of something I believe can be special," Jardim added.

Jardim said the influence of Jenkins, who he worked under at Swansea, was "massive" in his decision to leave his family in Portugal and take over at Newport, following the departure of Graham Coughlan last month.

"To work with someone who has respect from everyone in the game here in the UK is massive for me. Basically he is a winner and played a big part in me coming over again," he said.

During his time as a coach at Swansea, Jardim worked under two-time Champions League winner Paulo Sousa, Francesco Guidolin, ex-Real Madrid coach Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal.

He also worked with Sousa at Leicester City and had a spell under Aitor Karanka at Birmingham City.

Guidolin, Carvalhal and former Wolves boss - and Swansea coach - Bruno Lage have already sent him good luck messages.

Jardim said: "I picked up massive things, I am a little bit part of these people. You always learn and I am grateful to all of them and I have learned a lot from them."

Newport won 2-0 in their first official game under Jardim, a friendly at Pontypridd United on Tuesday night, with goals from Bryn Morris and Cameron Antwi.