PETER Nicholas is eager for Newport County to tap-in on Welsh football's feel-good factor.

The national team sit proudly on top of Euro 2004 qualifying Group Nine, Cardiff City have just won promotion to Division One and Wrexham are now planning for life in Division Two.

And Newport manager Nicholas, like County's board, doesn't want the Dr Martens League club to lag behind their richer Welsh rivals.

The Nationwide Conference is the prize for the Premier League champions and Nicholas honestly believes Newport are capable of reaching that promised land if the city's football fraternity get 'lively.'

"Playing Conference football the season after next is not beyond us," said Nicholas.

"We have got some talented players with plenty to offer and I'm still looking to make additions to my squad this summer.

"But the football followers of Newport need to get lively. There are so many armchair Newport County supporters in the city. We desperately need a few of them to start coming to our matches.

"Their admission fee alone could allow me to add a quality player - or even two - and that could make all the difference."

Nicholas' kitty is set to swell in the not too distant future as the long-awaited Newport County clubhouse is due to open at Spytty Park in November.

Work on the £150,000 initiative is due to begin in September, subject to planning approval from city councillors, and will only take an estimated six-to-eight weeks to build.

The clubhouse is being funded by a profit-related funding scheme, subscription from members of the 200 Club, private sector finance and a bank loan.

David Hando, secretary of the 200 club, said: "When work begins we hope to have two-thirds of the finance and look to borrow the remainder.

"With the profits we would pay off the loan as quickly as possible. And when the loan is paid off, the profits will all go to Newport County Football Club and the clubhouse development fund."

And with the Strategic Management Team running the business side of the club, Nicholas believes County's future is bright.

"We don't want to become the forgotten men of Welsh football," said the ex-Wales international.

"And I don't think we will. But we need the help of Newport County fans new and old," added the club's boss.