IF the Newport County AFC Supporters’ Trust is successful in its bid to take over the club, then the Exiles could be on the brink of an exciting new era.

But it is a big ‘if’.

Negotiations for the Trust to buy former chairman Les Scadding’s majority shareholding in the club are far from complete.

Supporters Direct, an organisation which helps clubs become community-owned, is helping and advising the Trust.

Mr Scadding appears happy to accept a knockdown price for his shares, which is a measure of the man.

But Supporters Direct will look at the financial health of the club as a whole before advising the Trust on whether it should proceed with the deal.

If the takeover happens it will be a case of back to the future for County, as the club reformed in 1989 as a supporter-led outfit.

Other supporters’ groups are backing the Trust’s plans, which is good to see.

The reality is every County fan will have to play a part if this deal goes through.

There will have to be substantial fundraising and, most importantly, fans will have to back the takeover by attending matches.

A number of football clubs, not least AFC Wimbledon and Wrexham, have benefited from being owned by supporters. The Trust has our full support in this venture. Let us hope the end result is good for everyone who cares about the club.