League Two strugglers Newport County have turned to Graham Coughlan as their new manager.

The former Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town boss has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at the south Welsh club.

Coughlan replaces James Rowberry, who was sacked recently by the 19th-placed Exiles.

It is the latest appointment overseen by Newport sporting director Darren Kelly, the ex-Carlisle defender.

Former defender Coughlan was almost a Blues player himself as he had talks with the Blues during Neil McDonald's time in charge in 2007.

News and Star: Ex-Blues defender Darren Kelly, right, has been overseeing the appointment at Newport in his role as sporting director (photo: Richard Parkes)Ex-Blues defender Darren Kelly, right, has been overseeing the appointment at Newport in his role as sporting director (photo: Richard Parkes) (Image: Richard Parkes)

Coughlan, 47, was last in management with Mansfield, who sacked him in October 2020.

He had a spell as Sheffield United's Under-23s coach last term.

His first game at the Newport helm will be against Colchester United on Saturday.

Kelly has been acting as caretaker boss since Rowberry's departure.

He is the second managerial appointment in League Two today after Doncaster Rovers earlier confirmed Danny Schofield as their new head coach.

READ MORE: Club appoint new boss after Carlisle thrashing led to sacking