Former Cambridge United, Luton Town and Newport County star lands first manager’s job
BARRY, WALES - 26 APRIL 2026: Robbie Willmott of Barry Town United during the 2025/26 JD Cymru Premier European Play Off Semi Final between Barry Town United AFC & Haverfordwest County at Jenner Park, Barry, Wales. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Newport City have announced Robbie Willmott as their new first-team manager, after retiring from playing.
Barry Town United earlier today confirmed that the midfielder has retired from football, bringing an end to a career spanning almost two decades.
The 35-year-old played his final match in the Linnets’ defeat to Haverfordwest County in the JD Cymru Premier European Play-Offs, drawing the curtain on a long and distinguished playing journey.
He takes charge of Newport, who play in the JD Cymru South, the second tier of Welsh football. Long-serving boss Sam Houldsworth stood down from his post earlier this month and has taken on the role of Director of Football, with this being his first major act in the role.
EFL career with Cambridge United, Luton, Newport
Willmott made over 300 appearances in the English Football League, most notably with Newport County, while also featuring for Cambridge United, Exeter City, Walsall and Luton Town. His career began in the National League with Cambridge United, before he went on to establish himself as a consistent and reliable presence across the EFL.
He came through the ranks at Cambridge United, making 136 appearances for the U’s, scoring 21 goals and registering two assists.
A move to Luton Town followed, where he twice reached the Play-Off Final — against AFC Wimbledon and York City — but his sides fell short on both occasions.
His breakthrough into the EFL came with Newport County, playing a key role in their promotion in 2013 with victory over Wrexham at Wembley. He made 81 appearances during his first spell at Rodney Parade before moving on to Ebbsfleet United and later Chelmsford City.
Willmott returned to Newport in the 2017/18 season and helped guide the Exiles to another Play-Off Final, where Tranmere Rovers narrowly beat them.
He left the club again in 2023 following loan spells with Exeter City and Walsall, before dropping back into non-league football with Woking and later Weston-super-Mare.
Barry Town United career
He joined Barry Town United at the start of the 2024/25 season and quickly became an influential figure at Jenner Park. Over the course of his time with the club, Willmott made 74 appearances, contributing four goals and an impressive 24 assists.
A standout moment during his spell in South Wales came earlier this year, when he captained Barry Town United to Nathaniel MG Cup success, leading his side to victory over The New Saints in the final, a fitting highlight in his final season as a player.
A club statement posted on social media read: “It’s been a pleasure to have Robbie and his family at our club, and we wish him all the best in his new role. You will always be welcome at Jenner Park.”
