Former Swans Chairman takes over at Newport County

Most of the thoughts in Newport this week maybe focused on the visit of Manchester United on Sunday but in the middle of it all they confirmed the takeover of the club by former Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins this afternoon.

After members voted by a substantial majority back in September for the new ownership model the ownership change was sanctioned by the EFL today and sees Jenkins purchase 52 per cent of the Exiles from the Supporters’ Trust who have owned and run the club since 2015.   He officially took his place at the helm today.

The Trust will retain a 27 per cent shareholding in the club and two director places on the Board. Those two places will be initially held by current Trust directors Shaun Johnson and Paul Marks until the Trust holds its election for the two positions. The arrangements for the election will be discussed with Trust members in the second part of its coming AGM.

Jenkins has been out of football since his departure from the Swans in 2019 at the end of that January transfer window and a departure that came three years after the club was sold to the current ownership model.  Under his time as Chairman the Swans survived a very close brush with administration before three promotions, seven years in the Premier League, a League Cup triumph and a European campaign.

His achievements earned him an OBE in 2015 for his services to Welsh football; an honorary degree from Swansea University; plus, the prestigious title of CEO of the Year’ at the Football Business Awards.

Speaking to the official Newport site upon completion of the takeover Jenkins said “The challenge to own, build and run Newport County was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. One I couldn’t turn down.

“And I would like to thank the supporters and the Trust for allowing me the opportunity.

“Having built up years of experience at all levels of football, I strongly believe that anything is possible when you have strong leadership and knowledge.

“To create a well-run and respected football club, there must be a clear direction with strong leadership from top to bottom. I hope to bring that to Newport County.’’

The Newport Supporters Trust added “We have already built a strong working relationship with Huw in readiness for today.

“The Trust will continue to play an important role in the running of the club and now is as good a time for supporters to join the Trust as any.

“This is a landmark day for the club we all support and love. We can look forward to a positive future for the club under this new ownership model with Huw at the helm.”

Finally, the former Swans chief unveiled a five point plan detailing his immediate goals

• To make the club financially sustainable. To achieve this, the club needs to increase revenues across all areas, such as commercial, prioritise cost control and improve financial reporting.
• Strive to form long-term and beneficial partnerships with key organisations such Newport City Council, local universities and the FAW to explore ways of improving the training facilities for the first team and the academy.
• To work closely with the Dragons to reduce stadium running costs and matchday staging fees in order to help establish Rodney Parade as a more affordable venue for both rugby and football to thrive in south east Wales.
• Change the culture and overall mentality at Newport County to one of belief and ambition. To set higher expectations and challenges from the top to the bottom of the club.
• To work closely with the Supporters Trust and all other fan groups, while rebuilding the trust within the city and the business community of Newport. Improving communication within the fanbase and the local community is key to achieving this.

Source: Newport County Football Club