JOHN Cornforth was last night installed as the new manager of Newport County.

The former Swansea captain and Wales cap came through County's rigorous selection process with "flying colours", according to chairman Chris Blight.

"It soon became evident that John was compatible with everything we wanted," said Blight. "We are extremely pleased with the appointment.

"I am sure he will get the respect of the players because he has been there and done it all. The standard of applicants was very high but John came through with flying colours."

Cornforth met the team at training last night and he said: "I am delighted. I am very impressed with the set up. Chris Blight and the board are so professional and they are a very ambitious club.

"I can tell you right away that I am a very ambitious manager.

"I am delighted especially when you look at some of the experienced applicants but I am a confident person and confident in my abilities.

"I want to get to the highest level of management possible and I know that I have come to the right place." He added: "It is great to be back (in Wales), I have missed the Welsh passion for sport that is similar to the north-east where I am from."

Cornforth, who turns 37 next month, is impressed with the side but said he is determined to make the side his own. He said: "There is quality here, it just needs a bit of tweaking. I need to stamp my authority on it and I have already been on the phone to experienced players within the budget.

"I am looking to bring in three or four quality players to join the quality ones we already have and the young players. I have the unanimous backing of the board and if we can get the crowd behind us we can give it a right good go."

And Cornforth insists he is targeting a place in the play-offs despite an indifferent start to the season.

He said: "The play-offs are still firmly an aim, there are still loads of points to play and you have to aim high or you might as well jack it in.

"I am very ambitions and although I am making no rash promises, if I could do that I would be manager at Newcastle.

"But if hard work and dedication to the Newport cause is anything to go on, we should do well."

Cornforth was manager at Exeter from September 2001 to October 2002 and managed to keep them in the Football League despite enormous financial constraints.

He originally went to St James' Park as a player in 1999 after spells with Sunderland, Swansea, Shrewsbury, Lin-coln, Birmingham, Wycombe, Cardiff and Scunthorpe and he also picked up two caps for Wales.