NEWPORT County AFC are still expected to make an announcement on a new manager this week after intensifying efforts to recruit their new man.

The Argus can reveal that the board of directors met on Tuesday to discuss plans with Jimmy Dack’s departure confirmed this evening. Dack will however, take charge of Saturday’s home clash with Oxford United, Newport’s final contest of the campaign.

Confirming that Dack is to leave, the club wrote in a statement on their website:

"Following recent press reports Newport County AFC have provided the following update regarding the managerial position at Rodney Parade.

"Newport County AFC can confirm that Jimmy Dack has advised the board that he does not want to be considered as a candidate for the managerial position at Rodney Parade next season.
 
"Jimmy who is contracted as manager until the end of the season will continue to be the first team manager for the final game of the season as County welcome Oxford United to Rodney Parade on the weekend.
 
"Newport County AFC would like to place on record it's thanks to Jimmy Dack for all his efforts during his time at Newport both as assistant manager and manager.

"County Director Howard Greenhaf said “we have been through some fantastic times together, and the club is now in a much stronger position than when Jimmy arrived, we all wish him well for the future.”
 
"With a view to appointing a new manager, following the departure of Justin Edinburgh earlier this year, the club received numerous applications for the vacant managers position. Those applications have been processed by a working party of directors, and a small shortlist compiled. Interviews are now at an advanced stage.
 
"The board of Newport County AFC are keen for an appointment to be made as soon as possible so that plans can begin in ernest for next season. This will allow the incoming manager to make the final decisions on the retained and released list which needs to be filed with the players and the Football League by the third Saturday in May."

County concluded interviews on Monday and as revealed in Argus Sport are said to favour two candidates, Terry Butcher and Mark Yates.

Former England international Butcher, who captained England to the 1990 World Cup semi final, is understood to be a front runner, though he is also thought to be the more expensive option, especially, if, as expected, he brings in his own backroom staff.

Ex-Cheltenham boss Mark Yates, who twice led the Robins to the play-offs in League Two despite a modest budget – less than County’s next term – is also a contender.

Yates has seen the Exiles play five times since Christmas and has provided the County hierarchy with a detailed assessment of which players he’d want to retain, which he’d want to release and a list of potential signings.

Yates’ eye for detail and experience in League Two has seen him leap ahead of candidates such as ex-Accrington boss James Beattie and former Mansfield manager Paul Cox in the eyes of County’s board.

However, Butcher, who has a wealth of managerial experience even though he’s never been a boss in the fourth tier of English football, is understood to remain as Newport’s top choice.

Butcher is likely to want to bring talent spotter Steve Marsella with him, currently at Grimsby, as well as a potential assistant manager.

Yates, on the other hand, has told County he’d be happy to work with a local assistant, if that is their preference. Player Michael Flynn and current coach Wayne Hatswell would both be contenders.

The Exiles have called a press conference for Wednesday, but that is expected to be a forum for Dack to outline his reasons for departing, rather than an announcement on his successor. It is understood no final decision has yet been reached on that matter.