Hayden Mullins has been named Newport County’s new manager following Christian Fuchs’ surprise departure earlier this summer.
Newport County have appointed former Premier League midfielder Hayden Mullins as their new manager following the shock departure of Christian Fuchs.
The Exiles have been searching for a permanent replacement since Fuchs left Rodney Parade on the eve of pre-season in late June, despite successfully steering the club to League Two safety last season.
Chris Todd has overseen the side on an interim basis throughout pre-season, but County have now confirmed the appointment of Mullins, who joins from Fulham where he has been in charge of the club’s under-21 side since 2023.
Mullins, 46, arrives with experience both as a player and coach, having enjoyed a lengthy playing career with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Reading, Birmingham City and Notts County.
He also represented England at under-21 level and featured for Portsmouth in the 2010 FA Cup final.
His coaching career began in Watford’s academy before he twice stepped in as caretaker manager of the Hornets’ first team following the departures of Quique Sanchez Flores and Nigel Pearson.
Mullins later joined Colchester United as assistant manager and was handed the permanent role in 2021, although he was dismissed less than a year later. He also had a brief spell in charge of the Turks and Caicos Islands national team before moving to Fulham.
During his time at Craven Cottage, Mullins guided Fulham’s under-21s to Premier League Cup success, overseeing a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final.
Newport have also confirmed that assistant manager Mark Smith has left the club, while interim boss Todd is expected to remain as part of Mullins’ backroom staff.
The appointment marks the third consecutive summer in which Newport have changed manager and makes Mullins the fourth permanent head coach appointed by owner Huw Jenkins since his takeover of the club in January 2024, following Nelson Jardim, Dave Hughes and Fuchs.
Mullins will take charge immediately, with his first game in the dugout coming against Yeovil Town in Saturday’s pre-season friendly.
County then welcome Italian giants Roma to Rodney Parade on August 4 before opening their competitive campaign away to AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on August 8. Their League Two season begins at home to Rochdale on August 15.
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