Newport County roles for Kayne McLaggon and David Pipe

McLaggon has joined County are part of the Premier League scheme to increase diversity across football with the club selected as one of six Football League clubs chose to take part.

The 31-year-old from Barry came through the ranks at Southampton and played for the Saints in the Championship.

The forward also went up against Manchester United in a 2009 FA Cup tie at St Mary's, coming off the bench to face a side featuring Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic.

McLaggon had a spell with Bristol Rovers before returning to Wales, playing for Merthyr and Barry Town.

The Wales C international is still on the books of his hometown club and will combine those exploits on the field with helping County's bright prospects.

"We are delighted to have been selected for this programme and extremely pleased to be able to welcome Kayne to the club," said academy manager Damien Broad.

"He will work primarily across academy age groups, however he will also gain experience across all areas including the first team and club operations.

"We are continuously looking to developme and grow across all areas of the club. This opportunity to be one of six partner clubs in supporting under-represented ethnic groups is an exciting one and one which is another positive step for the club as a whole.

"From top to bottom, Newport County AFC is ensuring that embracing diversity is embedded across all areas of the club off and on the pitch, and the scheme's support for our club will doubtless be a big benefot for us moving forward.

"We hope that by being one of the partner clubs chosen, the BAME populations of Newport and south Wales will see we are looking to improve relationships and opportunities for all."

Former County captain David Pipe (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Meanwhile, the club have announced a new partnership with former captain David Pipe's Carbon Fiit.

Once-capped Wales international Pipe, who led County back into the Football League in 2013 and made more than 200 appearances for the club, will work with all academy age groups at his facility in Pill on Wednesdays.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to work with and learn from a County legend," said Broad.

"Pipey working with out young players will no doubt support not only their physical development but other key components of being a successful player and person in life.

"Pipey demands high standards on and off the pitch and we we met to discuss the partnership I could see his passion and outlook on player development is perfectly aligned to what we want to achieve here at the academy.

"Helping the players off the pitch to become a better player on it, being respectful, working hard and having the right attitude are just some of the core values these sessions will instil in our young players, and this is another progressive step for the academy."