Stephen Handley is named Newport manager

Newport Town centre-half Stephen Handley will lead the club into the forthcoming season after being appointed as the club’s new player-manager.

The former assistant boss, who served under the club’s last manager Richard Priest two seasons ago, has been awarded the top job by chairman Phil Lewis.

Priest led the club to the Shropshire County Premier League Premier Division title in May but departed soon afterwards.

And Lewis is adamant that, once the search for his replacement started, Handley was the man he wanted to take over at the helm.

It is hoped Handley’s first season in charge will be played in West Midlands League Division Two and the club are in the process of applying for promotion to league bosses.

“I am delighted to appoint Stephen Handley as the new manager,” said Lewis. “He was the first person I approached.

“He has been playing for us for the last three years, he has played in the West Midlands League for several years and he is very well known and respected within West Midlands football. He ticks every box.”