NEWPORT County have still to reach a decision on naming their new manager but it appears as though two of the favourites have fallen at the last hurdle.

Former Barry Town boss Gary Barnett and Bridgend manager Nicky Tucker are believed to now be out of the running, despite being invited back for a second round of talks last weekend with one other unknown candidate thought to be either ex-Chippenham boss Steve White or former Forest Green manager Allan Lewer.

Whether or not they could not agree a contract or the County board were not overly impressed is still unclear but it now seems that the Carmarthen duo of Mark Aizlewood and Mark Jones have been catapulted back into the running.

It is also believed that the club have made an approach to Mangotsfield United manager Martyn Grimshaw, but a possible stumbling block could be over wages as he signed a two-year contract at Cossham Street last week and could name his price.

It has also emerged that Ton Pentre's Scott Young and County's Jason Bowen have now thrown their hats into the ring.

Both were monitoring the situation last week but now appear to have offered their services, with the County board still assessing their options. Despite being relatively inexperienced in management the pair are desperate to get involved to try and turn the club around.

Either way a new appointment is due to be made any time now, especially as their next match against Yeading is on Saturday week.

For a new boss to recruit players before then, he would have to be in place before Friday otherwise seven days approaches could not be issued in time for that match.

One man who is definitely not in the running is Merthyr Tydfil manager and former County chief Tim Harris. He has quashed rumours of a return when asked by a group of Newport fans attending the Martyrs' FAW Premier Cup defeat at Cwmbran last night.

The Crows boss Brian Coyne has not been approached and either has his skipper Jason Perry, although the former County captain would relish a chance to take the reins at Spytty Park.