STATEMENT: Les Scadding

In light of yesterday's news, Mr Les Scadding has released this statement.

"I would like to put on record that I am most grateful that the board have stepped aside, for an interim board to take control of the day-to-day operational management of Newport County AFC.  I would like to thank the members of the previous board for all their hard work, under what have been difficult circumstances.

I am hopeful that this will now mean that the Trust and Supporters Direct will be able to collate all the necessary information to complete the due diligence, and move the forthcoming share offer to be available to the fans as soon as possible. 

I am hopeful that this task will now prove easier and aid a smoother transition, which was my preferred option, and shows the support that both I and the previous board have in the fan based takeover. 

My thanks must go out to the Trust, who have worked long and hard to make the dream of a fan based ownership a reality.  The hard work continues and must not stop here!

The inclusion of Jason Turner on the new board has been an important step forward for the Club.  Jason is now leading and guiding the Club from the boardroom, bringing into play his extensive knowledge and experience.  He is an enormous asset to our Club, who makes every decision with the best interests of the Club at heart. 

The new interim Chairman, Tony Pring, the new board, the Trust, Supporters Direct, The Manager and myself are 100% behind Jason and I cannot stress how important he will be for the future of this club and I would ask everyone to support him every step of the way.

It was my absolute honour and privilege to attend the match at Wolves last night and I felt that despite the result, it was a fabulous display of exciting and skilful football, from such a young talented squad.  Their display prompted high praise in the boardroom from the owner and directors of Wolves, who were genuinely impressed, and they feel certain that the coming season will be full of success for the Club and they send  their best wishes to all at Newport County. 

I was extremely proud of the performance of the squad; they were a huge credit to the Club and the hard work that Terry, Russell and all the backroom staff have put in over the last couple of months.  Well done lads!

Whilst my direct involvement, financial or otherwise is at an end, my total support for the Club remains and I hope that you guys, the true fans, will support your club to push it on to bigger and better things.  Now that the path is clearing for the Trust to aid your ownership, please do not wait, please buy your season tickets, attend the matches, buy your club shirt, join the Trust but most importantly buy the shares when they come available. I cannot stress enough how important this is to the Club and to you the fans….your Club needs you!

And your Club definitely needs you this Saturday, our first home match of the season and a very important one for you to show our team and your Club how much it all means to you.  There are a lot of new faces on and off the pitch who have not experienced your passion and support; they need to know how much this club means to you. Please come to the match, support them as only you know how and show them exactly what it means to be a part of Newport County AFC!

Thank you to the new board members for stepping up to the mark.  Tony, Jon, Gavin, Shaun and Jason, you have my full support and appreciation.  Please do us all proud and let us all do our very best for Newport County AFC.


Up the County!"


Les Scadding