NEWPORT County's directors say that Sunday's player cull shows just how passionate they are about the club.

In a move that raised a few eyebrows but was hailed by a large section of supporters, County's board released Antonio Corbisiero, Wayne O'Sullivan and Dominic Reece, and placed Cortez Belle on the transfer list in the wake of shocking results and their humiliating FA Cup exit.

After Saturday's debacle the board came under fire from angry fans but director Colin Everett insists they are feeling the pain every bit as much as the supporters.

"The reason we took such action on Sunday is because we are extremely passionate about the club," Everett said.

"Fans may see the board wearing suits to matches but that doesn't mean that we are not the same as them. "We can see the same things that they see and the game on Saturday hurt us just as much as them."

He added: "That is why we felt it was right to release those players. The fans demand to see the same passion and commitment they give off the pitch by those on the pitch and that was painfully absent on Saturday and over the past several weeks.

"We are a club who survives due to people who give up their time, energy and also money whether they are on the board or volunteers."

County hope to have their new manager installed by Monday or Tuesday of next week but have a trip to Eastbourne to contend with before then.