THIS is a week that Newport County fans will never forget, one you’ll tell your grandchildren about. I know this because they emailed me to say so.

They also emailed me to tell me about the open top bus, to tell me that the club shop is open extra hours this week and that the club are in the process of accepting hopefully a record number of season ticket sales.

This will be the same Newport County whose general manager rang me on Tuesday to give me a heads up on the players now signed up for next season.

The same Newport County now being mentioned by the Observer newspaper as THE template of how a lower league football club can be run... properly.

The same Newport County whose supporters trust – growing all the time and working with rather than against those in the power seats at the club – provide a financial and voluntary service to help with the running of the club and the cost of player wages.

The same Newport County who in 48 hours, will run out to a guard of honour, 90 minutes away from collecting the Blue Square South trophy and hopefully doing so as the greatest ever side in the division, the first ever to secure 100 points in a single season.

But of course you know all that. And it wasn’t just some inane recap for the sake of it.

These are just a few of the reasons why Newport County AFC are ready to make a big, big impact on the Conference National next season.

Everything mentioned above, shows the strides they’ve made.

Saturday is a time for celebrating and looking back. But today’s column looks only to the future and one that thankfully for this newspaper is black and amber.

It’s been nearly two decades since Newport had a football team to talk about; the Exiles’ struggles in their ascent back to the Conference perhaps all necessary learning blocks for the present incumbents at Spytty Park.

However, with the season drawing to a close and a full summer in which to reminisce and await with anticipation life in the Conference, it’s absolutely fantastic that there is already optimism for the 2010/11 campaign.

Just two years ago it felt like County weren’t planning for the season ahead just weeks, maybe even days, before it started. Now the Exiles are working towards their goals for next season long before the final ball has been kicked this term.

Two key components must be in place for any football club to succeed. Stability, unity and at this end of the scale pragmatism from those running the club and a good squad of players on the field is obviously equally crucial.

County have both. Conversations with Matt Southall, Chris Blight and Tim Harris these days invariably always result in hearing about another possible idea for next season.

Maybe the excellent Phil Morgan in the main office could do with an extra member of staff? Perhaps the club shop could find more ways of making money?

How about another Baramber night where no volunteer who organises it gets a penny? County have gone from being clueless to clued up with ideas for increasing revenue. That’s a vital skill.

I understand that in principle, a budget has already been agreed upon for next season, pending ratification with the directors and the supporters trust, as well as the football management.

That means that heading into the summer, Tim Harris and Dean Holdsworth will know exactly what scope there is for bringing in new faces and can plan accordingly – it’s worth remembering that County enter the world of the transfer window next season, no more motorway service station revolving doors here. A deep squad is now essential.

Having expressed all season just how well County are run off the field – a fact more and more people are now appreciating – it’s splendid to believe that on the field, things are just as rosy too.

AFC Wimbledon may have romped to the Blue Square South title last term, but they did so a) with a bigger budget than County and b) they accrued fewer points.

Heading into the business end of the Conference season, the Dons sit one place outside the play-offs. A nice solid top 10 finish in their debut season at that level is guaranteed.

What a lovely example for County to follow. A good deal of the Wimbledon squad that won the Blue Square South have by and large thrived a level above.

I have no doubt County can do the same.

With the news today that goalkeeper Glyn Thompson, skipper Gary Warren and the holy trinity of Danny Rose, Sam Foley and Craig Reid have all signed on, the coming weeks will see more hopefully following suit. A lot more.

Putting my neck on the line, of those who have represented County regularly this term, I expect three at a maximum not to be here next season.

And rightly so. I honestly don’t see any member of County’s squad not up to it at a higher level, or at least worthy of a shot and only see players leaving that perhaps wouldn’t definitely want to stay anyway. I’ll leave you to speculate who.

I estimate that perhaps a maximum of six players will come in. A third goalkeeper, cover for the full-back positions, an extra body for central midfield, a wide player to replace Kerry Morgan and a striker to add competition to Reid, Foley and possibly Dave Gilroy.

County’s squad will be competitive in a higher level and with Harris and Holdsworth pulling the strings, they are blessed with a highly capable management team, ably supported by the likes of Fraser Skimming and Matt Bishop.

Hopefully new and permanent training facilities will follow (currently a priority for Harris and Holdsworth).

Will the modified squad from this season win the league and chase 100 points next term? I very much doubt it.

But with a full four months until the start of the next season, I already feel extremely optimistic about the Exiles’ prospects. Nothing suggests County can’t compete for a nice solid finish, possibly even a tilt at the play-offs.

So enjoy this weekend and savour what has been a special season indeed. County have blown away the competition.

But know this. In terms of County’s progress under the present regime, this is only the beginning.