NEWPORT County AFC boss Justin Edinburgh has welcomed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to the League Two manager’s club after the former Chelsea star was appointed by Burton Albion, writes Andrew Penman.

Hasselbaink, who also played for Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City as well as the Dutch national team, stepped down as manager of Belgian second division side Royal Antwerp in May.

He is the third black and ethnic minority manager in the Football League alongside Huddersfield's Chris Powell and Carlisle United's Keith Curle and Edinburgh is sure that he’ll be a success as Gary Rowett’s replacement at the Pirelli Stadium.

“He’s had a fantastic career and he was a top class footballer,” said the Exiles boss, who faced Hasselbaink during his Tottenham Hotspur days in the 1990s.

“I played against him a couple of times and he had a fantastic playing career so I’m sure he’ll be looking to have the same success as he did as a player.

“Gary did a brilliant job there and Jimmy is going into a great set-up and a club on the up.

“I know he was coaching at Nottingham Forest and had a spell at Royal Antwerp so it should be a good appointment but only time will tell.

“There were a lot of names thrown about but Jimmy has obviously gone through the interview process and impressed so good luck to him.”

Edinburgh is also pleased to see Rowett making a positive impact at Championship strugglers Birmingham City after serving his apprenticeship in League Two.

“It’s great for Gary and for our league that he got the job at Birmingham,” said Edinburgh.

“It’s a good move for him. I thought it was a brave move as well but he’s a good manager and he’s gone in there and shown that already.

“It can only be a positive for young managers like myself to show that if you are successful, clubs will see what we’re doing at this level and give others an opportunity.”