NEWPORT County's bid to survive in the Conference South has taken a knock, as influential midfielder Andy Legg is leaving the club.

Legg, 39, a wonderful professional who has enjoyed great success throughout his career, is joining his former club Peterborough United as assistant manager.

It is almost a year since Legg left the London Road outfit as a player, after he was diagnosed as having a cancerous tumour in his neck.

Legg is now fully recovered and answered a SOS call from County boss Peter Beadle a month ago to join the Spytty Park outfit.

Legg made just two appearances for County, though he made a big impact, inspiring the side to a 2-0 win over Basingstoke with a man-of-the-match performance a fortnight ago.

No longer in the peak physical condition he once was, Legg admits he only joined County because he liked the club and manager so much and wanted to help them to stay in the Conference South.

After joining with such noble sentiments, it is no surprise that Legg joins Peterborough with County's blessing... and a heavy heart.

He explained: "I wouldn't have pulled on my boots for any other club and I feel really bad for leaving now, bad for the fans and particularly Peter Beadle, who is a smashing person and a terrific manager.

"The challenge of helping County to stay up was a really great one for me, I used to live in Newport and the football club certainly doesn't belong in the Southern League.

"I wanted to do everything I could to help us to stay up.

"But the chance to make my first step towards hopefully one day becoming a manager is just too good to turn down.

"I think being an assistant manager is a great way of getting to know that side of the game and it really is a fantastic opportunity for me, I hope County supporters realise that and understand my decision."

Legg believes that Newport can stay up without him and is backing boss Beadle to lead the club to far greater things.

"Things have improved hugely in the last couple of weeks and I think County will stay up, they have a talented manager, good dedicated people working there and a decent side.

"On the pitch they are far more organised now and they can pick up points, starting with Sutton on Saturday."

Legg is so keen to continue helping County that he will happily drive to any midweek game that occurs when the Posh aren't playing. "I would do that without any hesitation, if the club want me to help them out then I will definitely do so," he said.

Peterborough caretaker boss Steve Bleasdale said: "Andy will now be coming in every day and helping me on match days."

"It will enable me to concentrate on the team for the weekend during the week, while Andy looks after other duties for me."

County boss Beadle reflected: "It is an amazing opportunity for Andy and I don't blame him for grabbing it with both hands.

"It is a blow for us but Andy has a lot to offer any club and I wish him all the best."