NEWPORT Football Club has appointed former player and first team boss Derek Ohren as its new manager.

Derek returns to the club in his second spell as manager following the resignation this week of Mike Kelly.

Kelly, who has been first team manager since October last year, has decided to leave his post due to work commitments, which see him based on the mainland for much of the week.

His assistant, Andrew Rimmer, has also left the club by mutual consent.

Newport's new chairman, Tony Wake, said: “I would like to thank Michael and Andrew for their enormous dedication and hard work.

"The commitment they have shown to the team and the club has been brilliant, and on behalf of everyone at Newport FC, I would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for their contributions.

"They leave not only with our thanks, but with our very best wishes for the future.

“At the same time I would like to welcome back Derek, who fans will know, as manager for the rest of the season.

“We are entering an exciting new phase for Newport FC and I am delighted that in Derek we have someone on board who already understands the club."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Derek, who managed Cowes Sports for almost a decade, spent four years as Newport's boss and enjoyed some cup successes, which included the IW Gold Cup, when the club was in the Wessex Premier League.

Early this season, when 'Port keeper Gary Streeter and teammate Darren Powell stepped in to take charge following Andy Sampson's departure, Derek returned to the club to help them.

He told the County Press: "It was flattering to be asked to take over. I didn't hesitate — I feel very passionate about the club, which I have followed since I was a nipper and who I played for in the first team when I was 15.

"I will see how I cope with the everyday running of the club until the end of the season and then look at the situation.

"I have known a lot of the squad since they were young kids doing soccer schools with me, so they all know what I'm about.

"When I saw the club losing, it was frustrating to think they are much better players than that. I feel I could make the team better on the training ground, but unfortunately, the games are coming thick and fast, so there is no time for that really.

"Mathematically, we can still stay up, but fitness levels are an issue with so few players to choose from."

Last night, Newport won their first match in 17 games against Bashley, 3-1, in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Isle of Wight County Press:

"It was a great result against Bashley last night and it was good to see some senior members of the squad return, but it will be hard to maintain that until the end of the season," added Derek.

"I felt quite excited — and I must admit, a little nervous — about the match last night.

"I am looking forward to working with Tony Wake and the first team squad and the next game."

Mr Wake, who is aiming to appoint a new vice-chairman responsible for football matters at the club, added: "We hope to have a bright and sustainable future in a new purpose-built ground.”