EFL manager who got red wine from Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag FIRED as club wants to move in ‘different direction’

NEWPORT COUNTY HAS FIRED manager Graham Coughlan to take the club in a “different direction”.

Coughlan took over in 2022 and took charge of a memorable FA Cup game against Manchester United in January.

But after finishing 18th in League Two – Coughlan was sacked.

Chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed: “I have complete respect for Graham and have found this a particularly difficult decision to make considering all the hard work he has done to help stabilize the club over the last 18 months.

“It goes without saying that I wish Graham every success in his future management career.

“However, moving forward, I must take the club and team in a different direction and remain true to my own beliefs, which I feel will, in time, bring sustained success to Newport County and, I hope, change the outlook. of the club in the coming years.”

Coughlan played for the likes of Blackburn, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday and finally Southend before hanging up his boots.

And the former defender started training after retirement.

The highlight of his time at Newport was the 4-2 home defeat to United at the start of the year.

And he shared a wholesome moment with Red Devils coach Erik ten Hag after the match over a bottle of red wine.

Coughlan jokingly responded: “Brilliant. You know I don’t drink wine, I drink Budweiser.”

Ten Hag replied: “Really, Budweiser? American beer? But this is really very good, chosen by Sir Alex [Ferguson] so maybe your wife will like it.”