Russell Osman set to join Terry Butcher at Newport County

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Image caption, Terry Butcher played in three World Cups for England

New Newport County manager Terry Butcher is set to appoint his former England and Ipswich team-mate Russell Osman as his assistant.

Former Bristol City and Cardiff City manager Osman, 56, most recently worked at Ipswich Town's academy, but left as their under-18 coach in August 2013.

Osman was at Rodney Parade on Saturday to watch the Exiles' 1-0 defeat against Oxford.

County finished ninth in League Two in 2014-15.

Osman played alongside Butcher in the Ipswich defence when they won the 1981 UEFA Cup final against AZ Alkmaar.

Their first challenge at Newport is to rebuild the squad as just four first-team players remain under contract after this summer as the board aim to slash their wage bill to around 拢900,000 from an estimated 拢1.4m.

Meanwhile 18-year-old midfielder Kieran Parselle, who has been on the bench twice for the Exiles in 2014-15 has signed his first professional deal with the club after progressing through the club's academy.