NEWPORT IW have chosen another familiar face to take on the first team manager's role for next season.

Andy Sampson is returning for a third spell at the helm with the goal of leading the Islanders back into the Sydenhams Premier Division following relegation this season.

Newport have exciting times ahead with plans getting the go-ahead to move to a new stadium and chairman Tony Wake said: ”Andy is well known and respected by the players and fans and showed great interest and passion in our plans moving forward. We are very pleased that he has taken on the job.

“We were also impressed to have so many high-quality applicants for the position. Some of the applicants have also offered their help over the next season in other positions which is fantastic.”

Sampson, 53, commented: “I am pleased to be given another opportunity to manage Newport FC. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead of returning Newport FC back in to the Wessex Premier League.

“With the new ground on the horizon and a strong youth set, the future is looking very good for the club.”

Andy will replace another old face Derek Ohren who kindly agreed to manage the club until the end of the current campaign.

Sampson, a former Newport player, was first appointed boss in April 2015.

He briefly stepped down in May last year but, after the club had resolved some "internal administrative matters", Port announced he would be staying on for the 2017/18 season.

His second stint didn't last long, however, as he relinquished the reins again towards the end of August 2017.

Newport finished a difficult campaign second to bottom of the table, winning just seven and drawing five of their 42 games.