IF A man who once captained England to within a penalty kick of the World Cup Final wants to manage Newport County AFC, then what more proof does anyone need of the huge strides the club has taken in recent years?

With due respect to the club’s past, we cannot imagine Terry Butcher being particularly interested in County when they were playing in exile 25 years ago.

But County are now an attractive proposition for football managers.

They have established themselves in the top half of League Two in just their second season back in the Football League and, with the right backing, could be promotion contenders over the next few seasons.

Mr Butcher is thought to be one of two front-runners for the manager’s job, with former Cheltenham Town boss Mark Yates his chief rival.

Some fans have already criticised Mr Butcher’s potential appointment, suggesting his managerial record is not the best.

The reality is you will not find managers who have been consistently successful plying their trade in League Two.

What Mr Butcher will bring to Newport County, if he is the choice of the club’s board of directors, is a name that still means something at all levels of football.

We do not know if he will get the job - but we are excited that County is his preferred destination.