Hayden Mullins has been confirmed as Newport County’s new manager, departing from his role as Fulham’s Under-21 head coach.
The 45-year-old, who represented Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Portsmouth during his playing career, takes over at Rodney Parade following Christian Fuchs’ surprise resignation in late June.
Fuchs had steered Newport to League Two survival on the season’s final day of the 2025-26 campaign before departing just before pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 term commenced. Chris Todd had been serving as caretaker manager during the interim period.
Mullins addressed his appointment on BBC Radio Wales Drive, acknowledging awareness of the club’s challenging previous season while highlighting his understanding of the supporter base. He described the venue as an excellent environment when results are positive, noting the passionate atmosphere that develops when supporters have reasons for enthusiasm.
Assistant manager Mark Smith has left the club. Todd, who oversaw pre-season fixtures against Bristol Manor Farm, Newport City, Gloucester City and Reading, is anticipated to stay on in his current capacity.
When Fuchs was appointed as Dave Hughes’ replacement in November, Newport sat four points outside the safe zone in the fourth division. Despite achieving survival under the Austrian’s guidance, he departed before the squad reconvened for summer preparations.
This marks the third consecutive summer where Rodney Parade has seen a change in the managerial position. Mullins becomes the fourth permanent manager appointed by majority shareholder Huw Jenkins since his takeover in January 2024, following Nelson Jardim, Hughes and Fuchs in the role.
Mullins, capped by England at Under-21 level, also featured for Reading, Birmingham City and Notts County during his playing days. He transitioned into coaching within Watford’s youth structure in 2016, eventually leading the Hornets’ Under-23 side and taking two caretaker spells with the senior team following the departures of Quique Sánchez Flores and Nigel Pearson.
In 2020, he moved to Colchester United as assistant coach, subsequently becoming interim manager before being given the permanent position in May 2021. However, he was relieved of duties less than twelve months later. He subsequently managed the Turks and Caicos Islands national team briefly in 2023 before joining Fulham’s academy later that same year.
During his initial season at Craven Cottage, Mullins guided Fulham’s young side to Premier League Cup success, defeating Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s 4-0 in the showpiece final. He reflected on his time working with younger players positively but acknowledged an absence in his professional life. He explained that the traditional Saturday afternoon matchday experience and competitive nature had been missing, and when Newport presented its opportunity, he did not deliberate extensively. He expressed enthusiasm about the club’s future vision and his desire to contribute to its development.
Mullins assumes immediate responsibility for the first team. His debut in the technical area will occur on Saturday when Newport face Yeovil in a pre-season fixture. The club’s summer schedule concludes with a high-profile friendly against Italian side Roma at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 4 August at 19:00 BST.
Newport’s competitive campaign begins in the opening round of the Carabao Cup at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday 8 August at 15:00 BST, before their League Two season commences at home against Rochdale on Saturday 15 August at 12:30 BST.