EFL manager resigns with immediate effect on eve of pre-season after just seven months in charge

Christian Fuchs has stepped down as manager of Newport County after just seven months in charge of the club.

Fuchs‘ role with Newport was his first in management, but he has now left just two days before pre-season begins.

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EFL clubs will be returning to their training grounds to begin their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign on Monday.

However, Newport’s squad are not going to have a boss in place, with Fuchs opting to leave on Saturday night.

Fuchs’ surprise decision comes following a somewhat successful first season in charge, as he led them to League Two safety.

The Welsh side managed to avoid dropping out of the Football League by winning their last two games of the term.

But that achievement hasn’t kept their Austrian manager at the club, and they have reluctantly announced the news.

Newport wrote in a statement: “Newport County can confirm that Christian Fuchs has made the decision to step away from his role as manager.

“During his time at Rodney Parade, Christian successfully guided Newport County to League Two survival, ensuring the club retained its EFL status at the end of the 2025-26 season.

“Everyone at Newport County would like to thank Christian for his hard work, commitment and professionalism during his time at the club.

“The club wishes Christian every success and happiness for the future.”

The statement did not include a mention of a replacement or any update on searches for a potential next boss.

Concerning timing

Fuchs, a Premier League title winner with Leicester, had been planning for the start of the new season with Newport.

The club had already made six signings ahead of the 26/27 campaign, refreshing their squad and adding new faces.

Harrison Biggins, Christian Doidge, Cameron Norman, Dan Sassi, Shaquille Gwengwe and Yahya Bamba have all joined.

But they will now be heading into their first day of pre-season at their new club on Monday without Fuchs in charge.

His departure means Newport are looking for their fourth different manager in just over two years.

According to BBC Sport, The Exiles’ owner, Huw Jenkins, had been planning for the new season under Fuchs.

However, this is now the third straight summer that the club have had to look for a different boss.

Graham Coughlan, Nelson Jardim, David Hughes and now Fuchs have all come and gone since 2024.