Mullins Named Newport County Head Coach After Fulham Exit

Hayden Mullins confirmed his departure from Fulham’s Under-21 setup to become head coach at Newport County in League Two. The appointment, finalized ahead of the 2024–25 season, sees the South Wales club replace its previous managerial structure with a figure rooted in academy development.

Mullins joined Fulham’s youth system in 2013 and coached across multiple age groups before being promoted to U-21 head coach in 2021. His tenure there included guiding the side to victory in the Professional Development League Two title in 2022–23. Newport County announced the signing on July 18, one week after completing pre-season fixtures against A.F.C. Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle, and Forest Green Rovers.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Newport County,” Mullins said in a statement released by the club. “It’s an exciting opportunity to lead a team with real ambition and potential. I’m ready to work hard alongside players, staff, and fans to achieve success.”

Newport County finished 14th in League Two last season, eight points above the relegation zone, but failed to win more than four consecutive matches at any point during the campaign. The club’s board stated the hire reflects a desire to build continuity between player development and first-team performance. Recruitment activity prior to Mullins’ arrival saw departures include midfielder Jamie Reid (released, now at Exeter City) and left-back Liam Bridcutt (retired). Incoming arrivals during the current window are limited to two youth graduates and one low-cost signing from non-league; no transfers have been announced since Mullins took over.

Contract terms remain undisclosed, though sources confirm a standard two-year agreement with performance-based incentives. Clauses tied to finishing outside the bottom three, reaching at least the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup, and securing a win percentage above 45% over full league play will trigger bonus payments. An option for a further year is embedded upon reaching the playoff places or achieving a top-half finish.

Early training sessions under Mullins began on July 22 at Rodney Parade. Reports from internal briefings indicate that five senior squad members were consulted directly about tactical expectations, with no public roster reshuffles mandated by the new manager ahead of pre-war league fixtures.

Newport’s opening schedule includes home games against Swindon Town (August 3) and Port Vale (August 17), followed by away trips to Mansfield Town and Crewe Alexandra in August. The first competitive match of the season kicks off on August 3 versus Swindon Town—a fixture broadcast live via Sky Sports Football.

Supporters’ trust chairman Rob Davies noted: “Hayden understands our community here. He’s shown respect for history while demanding modern standards. We’re not expecting miracles immediately, but direction matters more than short-term results.”

Mullins has named a provisional 25-man squad for pre-season friendlies, retaining all six players who appeared regularly in finals positions last season including goalkeeper Alfie Barbour (22 appearances), center-back Charlie Edmondson (19), forward Jack Kendall (16 goals), midfield trio Joe Edwards, James Collins, and Jordan Storey, plus winger Sam Smith. No loan returns or external signings have yet been integrated into this group.