FORMER WANDERERS striker Dean Holdsworth has been appointed manager of Welsh side Newport County.

Holdsworth made over 150 appearances and scored 39 goals for Wanderers in a six-year spell with the Club after arriving from Wimbledon in 1997.

He takes up his new post immediately following the dismissal of Peter Beadle.

County chairman Chris Blight said: "Dean Holdsworth has accepted terms, we are excited at his arrival.

"We've come a long way in the last few years, but Dean is the man to take us further.

"He is a very professional character who shares our ambitions.

"Our target is obviously Conference [Blue Square Premier] football, and we hope that is achievable as soon as possible."