BUOYANT Newport County fans are hoping the imminent boardroom power-shift will deliver on-the-field success.

Five high-profile members of Newport's business fraternity, who have been voluntarily advising County to run their financial affairs over the past 12 months, are set to take their place in the Spytty Park boardroom.

The five men bidding to be directors - John Collingbourne, Chris Blight, Alan Trott, Stan Berry and Steve Sulley - promise to reorganise the Dr Martens League club's six-figure debt with a view to wiping the arrears out altogether.

Three current directors - Martin Greenham, Tim Barnard and club secretary Mike Everett - will step down.

Newport County Supporters' Club chairman Bob Herrin commented: "We welcome anything that will bring additional funds into the club so we can move forward.

"It all looks very promising now for the new season."

Herring admitted some sections of the County faithful were becoming impatient at the club's lack of activity in the transfer market.

Defender Terry Evans is the only player manager Peter Nicholas has added while four men - Billy Clark, Chris Collins, Steve Benton and Mike Fowler - have left County.

Herring added: "The fans were getting a little impatient but everything looks positive now and hopefully it will snowball from here and we can enjoy some on-the-field success in the league soon."

Rob Santwris, a committee member of the 200 club, the group that has raised funds for County's new clubhouse, and an Amber Army Supporters Trust member, said: "These businessmen will be a breath of fresh air for Newport County. They have been working closely with the club for the past year and the fans are very impressed with them.

"The Amber Army already have Sue Hill, the fans' nominated member, in the boardroom and as a supporters trust look to raise £20,000 worth of funds a year for the club

"If the new-look board need any assistance with fund-raising for Newport County we will be only too pleased to help."