“THE club needs someone with enthusiasm and passion, and that has flickered out for me towards the end of the season.”

Those were the words of Craig Warlow following his decision to step down as Newport head coach at the end of the current campaign.

Warlow, who has spent four years in the Rodney Parade hotseat, will take charge of his final game on May 4 when the Black and Ambers host Llandovery.

Former Llanelli and Dragons fly-half Warlow took the top job after Sven Cronk’s departure in 2015.

He was named Principality Premiership coach of the year last season having guided Newport to the WRU National Cup final and ninth place in the league table.

“It was a tough decision to make,” he said. “I’ve had such an enjoyable time at the club and it’s never easy to walk away from something you’ve invested so much energy in.

“But the time was right for me and for the club.

“You go through periods in the season where it’s tough and you have to dig in.

“I’ve been doing this now for five-and-a-half years and that’s a lot of back and forth along the M4.

“I was four years a Dragons player as well and there comes a time where you question if you’ve got the passion for what you’re doing.

“The club needs someone with enthusiasm and passion, and that has flickered out for me towards the end of the season.”

He continued: “I haven’t got a clue what I’m going to do next, whatever it is, I just hope I enjoy doing it.

“Whether I start an allotment or coach at professional level, I don’t know, I just want a break for now.

“I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and not having to analyse a game on a Monday and preview one on a Friday.

“And I’m looking forward to watching the World Cup and not videos of opposition teams.”

Reflecting on his tenure and looking at Newport’s future, he said: “The best memories I’ll take with me are those working with the backroom staff.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the players, and I genuinely believe they are capable of great things.

“Just because we didn’t win the league cup doesn’t mean I haven’t enjoyed my time.

“How much I added to Newport is difficult to say, I certainly hope I haven’t taken anything away from the team.

“I think the club is in a strong position. They’ve got a good coaching team and set of players in position.

“There could be improvements, but that’s like in any organisation.

“It’s a good environment there and people are aware of the expectations.”

It is understood that current forwards coach Ty Morris is the favourite to take over from Warlow.