NEWPORT County's long-term ambition to become a Football League club is likely to take a step forward tonight as four local businessmen join the board of directors.

The four men, who are well known in Newport's business community, are set to join the club's board at a meeting this evening and their brief is to produce a business plan and strategic overview to help bring league football back to Wales' newest city.

The four new directors are:

* John Collingborne, owner of Newport car auctions;

* Chris Blight, partner of Crook and Blight estate agents;

* Steve Sulley, regional marketing manager of Newsquest Wales and Western, the South Wales Argus' parent company, and;

* Steve Baker, former owner of Crystal Clear cleaning.

The Argus understands that members of County's current board who do not have a business background are being asked to step down from their positions as the new directors will want a streamlined boardroom so decisions can be made quickly.

What will also be decided tonight is whether the new directors will be full-time executive directors, which will mean they make an 'investment' into the club, or non-executive members.

The directors who are been asked to resign from their post are likely to remain at Newport Stadium to assist in the day-to-day running of the Dr Martens Premier League club.

It is believed that senior club officials at County want more businessmen in the boardroom so they can use their knowledge and experience to help the Exiles fulfil their potential and become a Conference club - with Football League status the ultimate goal. The quartet, along with current board members who will continue, will then try and capitalise on attracting much-needed commercial revenue into the club.

The current ground improvements mean Newport Stadium can stage Conference football. And with County favourites to finish fifth in the league - the highest position since re-forming back in 1989 - they are only a few players away from promotion.

The four businessmen's interest was sparked by Newport's memorable FA Cup exploits earlier this season which saw more than 3,500 supporters fill Newport Stadium as County were beaten by the Division Two side 4-1.