FORMER Barry Town supremo Gary Barnett and Bridgend boss Nicky Tucker have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for the vacant manager's job at Newport County.

Carmarthen's Mark Aizlewood, ex-Forest Green manager Allan Lewer, former Chippenham boss Steve White and Taunton boss Peter Beadle are also in the running but the club, who had completed the first round of interviews, are believed to be gravitating towards Barnett or Tucker with an announcement expected by the end of this week.

Mangotsfield United manager Martyn Grimshaw was also linked with the job but now looks to be ruled out after signing a contract at that keeps him at the club until 2007.

Barnett is currently out of the game but boasts four successive Welsh Premier League titles from his time at Barry and he also had stints as Jan Molby's assistant at Kidderminster Harriers and Hull City.

Tucker is presently at the helm at Bridgend after being sacked by Llanelli before the start of the season, ironically being replaced by former Newport County manager Peter Nicholas.

He joined them from Welsh League side Taffs Wells when they were anchored at the bottom of the division but he brought in several new players and steered them to safety.

That escape might just sway the County board as only goal difference currently keeps them off the foot of the Nationwide South table and a relegation battle looks to on the cards.

County crashed to their eighth successive defeat on Saturday as a side packed full of Academy youngsters went down 2-0 at Eastbourne.

It is clear that the new boss has a massive job on his hands as the club have won only once from ten games this season, conceded nine goals in their last three games and have not been on the scoresheet for five and a half matches - more than eight hours of football.

After last week's FA Cup exit at Chippenham, County's board axed three players due to an apparent lack of commitment but caretaker boss Glyn Jones felt the replacement youngsters did themselves proud on Saturday.

"The Newport supporters who came here today saw a side who gave their all and if they continue to perform like that their commitment cannot be questioned," Jones said.

"The shape and pattern we worked on in training last week gave us a good starting point and it was pleasing to hear the Eastbourne manager Garry Wilson was praising our young players."