RELATIONS between Newport County and the playing staff hit a new low last night as fears increase over a mass exodus from Spytty Park.

On the day when former boss Peter Beadle finally broke his silence following his sacking, but refused to criticise Exiles chairman Chris Blight, a meeting between the players and chairman descended into farce.

The Argus understands that the entire squad - other than striker Charlie Griffin - travelled to Spytty Park only to be told that chairman Blight was unable to attend the meeting due to his commitments in the local elections.

The players collected their wages and promptly left, but a growing feeling of discontent has surfaced.

One unnamed player told the Argus: "The chairman didn't turn up and we still have no clue as to what the club plan to do.

"Loads of the boys made a real effort to get here (from as far away as Telford, Swansea and Cheltenham) and we weren't told anything.

"I have to look at my situation now as other clubs are interested. I know that some of the boys are in talks with other clubs and the longer this situation drags on the more other players will consider their options.

"All we want is for the club to talk to us and tell us what their plans are, but they haven't done so all week."

The Argus understands that at least five members of the current 21-man squad are already negotiating with other clubs, while striker Julian Alsop has already announced he is leaving.

Meanwhile boss Beadle was keen to draw a line under his Spytty Park tenure and refused to join Alsop - who did attend last night's meeting - in criticising the Exiles board. Beadle, sacked less than 24-hours after the Exiles failed to make the Conference South playoffs, is keen to end his time with the club without animosity.

He explained: "Further to my dismissal on Sunday it is with great sadness that I address the Newport County supporters for the final time.

"I would like to thank Chris Blight and the rest of the directors for giving me the opportunity to manage the club for two-and-a-half years.

"It has been a terrific journey full of highs and lows, from surviving relegation and missing out on the playoffs last year and this year.

"We reached two FAW Premier Cup Finals, winning the competition and enjoyed FA Cup and FA Trophy runs.

"I would like to thank all the players I worked with, past and present and the backroom staff and their families for their work and support.

"I would also like to thank the amazing volunteers who worked hard keep things running and all the fantastic fans who have supported me and the team both home and away week in, week out.

"I only wish I could've been the man to take the club to the next level but sadly in this short time it was not meant to be. I would like to wish Newport County every success in the future and hope one day they do take the step to the next level."

Meanwhile, young County loanee Matt Smith, 20, is expected to miss nine months after physio Tommy Cosh confirmed he has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his left knee.

Cosh commented: "It will mean a lay-off of about nine months and it's such a shame for a talented young player, we're hopeful he'll get his operation done within the next fortnight. The only good thing is that it's the different knee to his previous ligament injury, so we know exactly what we're dealing with."

Smith, a Wales under-19 international, is out of contract with Cardiff City and had been expected to sign with County this summer.