Newport County would be closer to realising their Football League dream if the boardroom power-shift is implemented.

The five high-profile Newport businessmen, who are poised to join the Exiles' board of directors, insist they can implement the 'fundamental changes' needed so County can mount a serious Nationwide Conference - then Football League - challenge.

The quintet - who, as Newport's Strategic Management Team (SMT), have been voluntarily advising the Dr Martens League club run their financial affairs for the past 12 months - have also vowed to re-organise County's six-figure debt with a view to wiping their arrears.

County chief Wallace Brown admitted the shake-up, which includes the resignation of three current board members, will probably be 'accepted' very soon.

Brown, who will remain as chairman, added that the present board take a 'collective responsibility' for Newport's current money troubles and blames poor league success following 'substantial squad investment' as the main reason for the liability.

County face the serious threat of administration if they refuse the five businessmen joining the board.

Present directors Martin Greenham, Tim Barnard and club secretary Mike Everett are said to be stepping-down to allow the restructure to happen quickly.

But Brown and three other directors - Matt Southall, Sue Hill and Robert Wixey - will remain. They, along with the proposed newcomers, will assist the club financially.

Stan Berry, a spokesman for the five-man SMT, told the Argus today: "The SMT have had a constructive season working on a voluntary basis with the existing board and recognise the efforts and commitment of the individuals involved in the club.

"However, we do now feel that some fundamental changes need to be made to the way in which the business is run if the club is to realise its potential and build a challenge to get into the Football League.

"We have made a proposal to the board on a way forward that strengthens our involvement with the club."

Via a statement, Brown said: "Twelve months ago, the SMT joined the club and have enhanced the business expertise and contacts to a degree not previously possible but now necessary to support the club.

"Having spent that time working with the current board and despite a number of difficulties that have been, or need to be, overcome they are confident that Newport County can go forward and realise the ambitions of its supporters and people of Newport."

He added: "Over the past two seasons, substantial investment was put into the team budget and, although considerable cup financial rewards were derived to varying degrees, the lack of league success - the bread and butter of any club's finances - and failure to maintain a promotion challenge in either season has contributed to the present position and that is a collective board responsibility.

"That the SMT members are prepared to take on an executive role to deal with those problems again underlines proof in their belief in Newport County's future.

"The directors leaving the board may well decide to support the club in a non-executive capacity and any continued involvement would be welcome.

"Those who remain will also be involved in the financial input that will follow the changeover."