PROMINENT figures in Newport have backed a fans’ group which is supporting a potential takeover of the city’s football club.

Newport County AFC Supporters Trust is in talks with former chairman and EuroMillions winner Les Scadding to purchase his shares.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden and members of Goldie Lookin Chain have signed up to the trust in an attempt to boost the bid.

The band’s Billy Webb, who attends all of the Exiles’ home games, said he believed “the collective is stronger” and wanted the club to grow and build on recent seasons’ progress, which included promotion to League Two in 2013.

He said: “Newport have just come up and have done really well. They have had finishes in the top half and they lost momentum for one reason or another.

“We have got to look at teams that are from places that are smaller. Yeovil were higher up the leagues than Newport.”

While he said the club has lost players in the close season like Darren Jones, who had the club “in their hearts”, Mr Webb was hopeful new manager Terry Butcher can rebuild for next term.

MP Ms Morden has also joined the supporters’ trust.

She said: “The role of supporters in the running of a club is incredibly important and the Trust gives supporters that voice in the boardroom. I wanted to take the opportunity to play my part and help raise funds towards their community activities”.

Mr Scadding remains the club’s majority shareholder – but wants to move to his holiday home in Barbados after investing at least £1.2 million in the last three years.

Mr Butcher has backed the plan, which could see fans take control before their new season starts on August 8, and said it could be “great”.

He told the Argus earlier this month: “Football is all about passion and if we can get this club going the way we want to then the fans will be a big part of that.”