NEW manager James Rowberry has pledged it will be “evolution, not revolution” at Newport County AFC as he fills the big boots of Michael Flynn.
The boss took his first training session on Wednesday morning after signing a contract to become Exiles boss on Tuesday evening.
Rowberry watched from the Rodney Parade stands as nine-man County drew with Carlisle United and he will call the shots for the first time at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
He takes over a club that have suffered League Two play-off final anguish in two of the last three seasons and that has made a steady start to the campaign after a summer of change.
READ MORE: From mascot to manager, Rowberry ready to lead County
Flynn left at the start of the month and his assistant Wayne Hatswell has recorded a win and three draws while holding the reins.
County are 13th but just three points off the play-off spots and a further three back on second place.
The Exiles are no longer a club looking down and fearing the worst, instead they have ambitions to push for League One.
“Michael did an amazing job. To keep the club in the Football League then to get to the play-off finals twice, him and Wayne have done an unbelievable job,” said Rowberry, who left his role as Cardiff City’s first team coach to take over his hometown club.
“They are big shoes to fill and I have to try and continue that success, progress and add value to the work that they have done.
“I have a fresh set of eyes and it’s not about changing things, as I said to the lads this morning.
“It’s evolution not revolution and through my experiences I have seen that and dealt with it as a first team coach at Cardiff.
“It’s about adding value, adding bits that can make us better and building on the successes from before.”
“It’s quite unique for a football manager to come into a club that is doing well on a playing front, Michael left on good terms and left a good squad behind,” he continued.
“I know the club and I know how it operates and works. It’s an amazing opportunity but I am under no illusions that I have got to be successful. I’ve got work as hard as I possibly can to push the club forward.”
Hatswell is under contract until the end of the season and said after the draw against Carlisle that he was open to staying to work with his close friend Rowberry.
“I have had positive talks with Wayne this morning and hopefully we can conclude that in the next couple of days,” said Rowberry.
“I’ve know Wayne since I was back at the club in 2011 when Tim Harris was caretaker manager and he was player-coach. Our friendship has blossomed since then.
“I know the journey the club has been on because of our discussions and hopefully that can be nailed down in the next couple of days. We will lean on each other throughout the whole time that we are together.”
County have developed an attractive style since the summer of 2020 with Rowberry keen to build from the back and keep the ball on the deck.
“It’s vital. I’ve got to continue the good work that Michael and Wayne did, I’ve just got to add little bits,” he said.
“I’m not going to say exactly what I am going to do, because we have got a game on Saturday, but we have to try and develop even more.”
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