Mullins named manager at League Two Newport County
Newport County have appointed Fulham Under-21 head coach Hayden Mullins as their permanent manager, following Christian Fuchs’s unexpected departure in late June. The appointment gives the League Two club a new leader ahead of the 2026-27 season, but continues a period of frequent managerial change at Rodney Parade.
Mullins succeeds interim manager Chris Todd, who is expected to stay at the club, while assistant manager Mark Smith has left. He becomes the fourth permanent manager appointed by owner Huw Jenkins since January 2024 and will begin with Saturday’s pre-season match against Yeovil; Newport’s league campaign starts at home to Rochdale on 15 August.
- Hayden Mullins becomes Newport County’s permanent manager.
- He replaces Christian Fuchs after his June departure.
- Newport begin their League Two season on 15 August.
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Newport County is a professional football club based in South Wales, competing in League Two – the fourth tier of the English football league system. Like other clubs at this level, the organisation's prospects depend significantly on having stable management and clear strategic direction.
The club has appointed four permanent managers in less than two and a half years, a period of considerable instability under owner Huw Jenkins. The most recent arrival is Hayden Mullins, previously head coach of Fulham's Under-21 side, who replaces Christian Fuchs following his unexpected departure in late June.
Mullins begins his role as Newport prepares for the 2026-27 League Two season, with pre-season matches this weekend and the competitive campaign starting on 15 August at home to Rochdale. For a club seeking promotion from the fourth tier, having a settled management team that can build consistency over time is vital to long-term success.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Appointing Hayden Mullins gives Newport a permanent manager with recent coaching experience at Fulham and time to shape the squad before the new season. A fresh appointment may help the club move on from Christian Fuchs’s departure, while retaining Chris Todd could preserve some continuity.
The case against
A fourth permanent manager since January 2024 may deepen concerns about instability and make it harder to build a consistent playing identity. Mullins is taking on a senior role at a new club shortly before the season begins, and changes to the coaching staff could add to the challenge of preparing the team.