NEWPORT County’s departing director of football Tim Harris believes picking manager Justin Edinburgh was the best decision he made in his time with the Exiles.

The 54-year old ends his third association with Newport today after standing down following almost five years as director of football, having previously been both a player and a manager with the club.

Harris is departing to rejoin his hometown team Gloucester City as manager and is certain he is leaving the Exiles in the most capable hands possible.

“I think when it comes down to it, the best signing I personally made, the most important one, was Justin,” he told the Argus.

“I remember at the time, because we’d made a mistake with Anthony Hudson, the chairman (Chris Blight) was very reluctant to give out a contract and risk losing out again.

“But I was adamant that the right man was available and we had to get him immediately before someone else did.

“I viewed it as the least you could gamble, because his track record was so impressive.

“And that’s probably my most satisfying decision, because I know with him at the helm, County have a bright future.”

Edinburgh and chairman Les Scadding were keen to heap praise on the departing Harris.

“Since I have been involved with the club Tim Harris has worked tirelessly with myself, Justin Edinburgh and the Board in driving Newport County AFC forward and his belief that League football would be seen at Newport again was a major factor in ultimately achieving this goal in May 2013. On behalf of the club I would like to thank Tim for all his work at Newport County AFC and wish him every success in his new adventure,” Scadding said.

Manager Justin Edinburgh also paid tribute to a man he has worked closely with since arriving at Newport: 'Tim Harris was instrumental in bringing me to this club and we struck up a fantastic working relationship as well as a great friendship during our time together here. I am sad to see Tim leave but we all have our ties and this is a good opportunity at a place he knows well. Since I arrived at the County it has been an amazing time for the club due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of Tim and he can leave with his head held high and I personally wish Tim all the very best in his new challenge.'