CHRIS Hughes has reflected on his decade-long tenure at the helm of Newtown Football Club following his departure this week.
Hughes and the Latham Park club called time on his 10 year spell in charge by mutual consent on Wednesday with former and current players as well as both Newtown and opposition fans paying tribute.
Hughes thanked all for their kind words as he looked ahead to a spell on the sidelines and enjoying some much deserved time with his family.
"It has been a fantastic 10 years," said Hughes. "There are a lot of highlights but I am most proud of making Newtown Football Club a regular in the top six.
"Prior to my appointment the club had been fortunate not to be relegated on a few occasions and were spared thanks to other club's failing licensing criteria.
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"Over the last 10 years the club regularly qualified for the top six and of course we also had some great memories in Europe and a Welsh Cup final.
"To beat Valletta in Europe in both legs is something I am also proud of. Not many Welsh clubs have managed to win both legs in a European tie so that was special, as was the next games against Copenhagen."
The past decade has been a golden era for the Latham Park club with Hughes likely to enter the history books as the most successful manager in their history.
"I have been fortunate to work alongside some fantastic players and coaches and made some great friends during my time at the club," said Hughes.
"Callum McKenzie, Barry Gardner and Kevin Speake bring so much professionalism to the club and I am grateful for their support.
"I would also really like to express my sincere thanks to all the wonderful supporters and volunteers over the years."
Hughes backed the squad he assembled to continue to punch above their weight in the JD Cymru Premier this season and in the future, saying:
"There really is a good group of players at the club and I sincerely wish them every success in the future and certainly I will be keeping an eye on their results."
However Hughes has no regrets about stepping away from the game.
He said: "It has been nice to get a good night's sleep without thinking about football and of course I am looking forward to spending more time with my family."
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