NEWPORT County AFC are looking for a new commercial manager to replace James Watts, who is to become general manager at Hereford FC.

Watts is moving to Edgar Street after five years in his post at Rodney Parade.

A statement from the Southern League Premier Division side, who are managed by for County boss Peter Beadle, reads: “Hereford FC is delighted to announce that James Watts has been appointed general manager at Edgar Street.

“James will arrive at Edgar Street after five successful years as commercial manager at Newport County AFC and is very much looking forward to starting work for The Bulls.

“The appointment comes after a thorough, detailed recruitment process which saw more than 20 very good applicants reduced to a shortlist for interview.

“Two candidates were then invited back for a second interview and James was the board’s eventual choice to take on this important role.”

Bulls Chairman, Ken Kinnersley, said: “The calibre of the applicants for this position was very impressive and even putting together a shortlist was extremely difficult.

“We are, however, delighted to have appointed James as the club’s general manager and are all looking forward to working with him.

“He knows the job will be a challenge and that we have high expectations of him, but we are all confident he is the right person for the job.”

County have advertised for an experienced commercial manager “to develop and lead the sale of the club's commercial products throughout all areas of the organisation, as the club seeks to increase and develop its commercial operations.”

The successful applicant “should have a proven track record of working with and developing relationships with local, national and international organisations and an ability to harness a maximum commercial return for the brand.

“A background in a similar role within professional football or sport is not essential however, is desirable as well as experience of the local area and its economic demographics.

“The role shall be primarily be sales focused and initially include overseeing the sale of the club’s core sponsorship packages, developing and selling a range of home match-based sponsorship packages and developing and selling e-based sponsorship packages, utilising the clubs media platforms to increase revenue for the club.”

Interested applicants should submit a one page cover letter outlining their suitability for the role along with their CV to office@newport-county.co.uk or via post to HR Department, Newport County AFC, Newport Stadium, Velodrome Way, Newport, NP19 3RA.

The deadline for all applications is 5pm on Wednesday, September 13 and applicants should be available for interview on Wednesday, September 20.