Christian Fuchs, the former Leicester City defender and Premier League champion, has embarked on his first managerial role in football with a crucial mission: to save Newport County from relegation from League Two.
From Premier League Glory to Rodney Parade
The 39-year-old Austrian, an integral part of Leicester's legendary 2015/16 title-winning squad that defied 5000/1 odds, has signed a long-term contract with the South Wales club. Fuchs arrives at Rodney Parade after spending the last two years as an assistant coach to Dean Smith at Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC, where he concluded his illustrious playing career.
Club chairman Huw Jenkins expressed strong belief in the appointment, stating: 'We see Christian as the sort of man to lead our club forward. I believe he matches our ambition and goals for Newport County FC.' He added, 'Christian is ambitious and wants, one day, to manage in the Premier League, we believe he shares our strong belief in what Newport County can eventually become.'
A Daunting Challenge Ahead
Fuchs replaces David Hughes, who was sacked after just 16 games in charge, having managed only three victories. Hughes's departure became inevitable after the team lost five of their last six matches. Speculation about Fuchs' arrival had been building after he was spotted watching Newport's clash against Accrington Stanley last month.
When questioned about Fuchs' presence at that game, the then-manager Hughes remarked: 'That's the nature of the game isn't it? If you are not successful and you are not winning then questions are asked.'
Fuchs' Football Pedigree and Immediate Task
As a player, the left-back earned 78 caps for Austria and made over 150 appearances for Leicester City. His only club with more appearances was SV Mattersburg, where he spent five formative years before the club became defunct.
Since retiring, Fuchs has been actively involved in coaching through his Fox Soccer Academy, which has bases in London, Leicester, Manchester, and Derbyshire, and is managed by his wife.
Fuchs' first test as Newport County manager will be an away trip to face Oldham Athletic, who currently sit 15th in the League Two table. The new manager must quickly address the team's poor form to prevent them from dropping into the National League.
