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Newport County have confirmed manager Graham Coughlan has left his role, with the League Two club saying they want to move in a “different direction”.

Coughlan, 49, leaves Rodney Parade after 20 months in charge and having led the Exiles to 18th in the fourth tier last season.

Chairman Huw Jenkins said: “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.’’

Coughlan replaced James Rowberry at County in October 2022, ensuring the club avoided a relegation battle after a difficult start to the season.

Amid financial concerns at the start of the 2023-24 season, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth defender oversaw an impressive start to the campaign that included an FA Cup run and a money-spinning fourth-round tie with eventual winners Manchester United.

A slump in form at the end of the season saw them lose eight successive games and renew questions over Coughlan’s long-term future.

Jenkins, who completed his takeover of the previously fan-owned club in January 2024, had publicly backed the Irishman.

However, it had always been thought that the former Swansea chairman would be keen to appoint his own manager, with the club now beginning the search for a successor.

Newport’s players are due back for pre-season on 1 July, with the club now keen for a head coach-style appointment to work with Jenkins.