NEWPORT County AFC have tonight confirmed that Terry Butcher has been appointed as the club's new manager.

A statement from the club reads: "Newport County AFC are delighted to confirm the appointment of Terry Butcher as first team manager at Rodney Parade.

"Terry Butcher arrives with a wealth of experience within the game having previously enjoyed managerial roles at Coventry, Sunderland, Motherwell, Sydney FC, Brentford, Inverness and Hibernian.

"In his playing days Butcher made over 250 appearances for Ipswich as well as making almost 130 appearances for Rangers. Butcher also earned over 70 caps for England."

County director Howard Greenhaf said:  "We were extremely impressed with Terry when we spoke to him. He is very thorough and professional in his approach and we are sure we have the best man for the job.

"As soon as Terry was connected to the job he came and watched us himself several times and also sent people to our games on his behalf. He already knows the team in good detail and has firm plans on what he wants for next season."

Butcher said: "I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to work for a fantastic club like Newport County AFC, I have met a lot of great people at the club already and have seen the passionate fans for myself at recent games. I look forward to the new challenge and I’m looking forward to working together with everyone at a club that has great aspirations for the future.”

Butcher has signed a two year deal with County, and will watch County's final game of the season against Oxford United on Saturday from the stands.

The former England captain is set to be unveiled to the press at Friday lunchtime.