NEWPORT County’s plans for next season moved a step closer to being finalised yesterday at a board meeting that rubber-stamped a positive off-field change.

Manager Dean Holdsworth, who missed training last night to scout a new target, should be informed within days of his budget for next season.

Holdsworth is keen to find out the all important number – which will dictate his wage allowance per week for the entire campaign – allowing him to decide which of his current playing squad he will retain.

And in further news that can only mean good things for the Exiles, the current board – chairman Chris Blight, Matt Southall, John Collingbourne and John Bowkett – is to swell from four members to six.

Joining the current quartet are a duo who have been more and more prevalent this term, Howard Greenhaf and Nick McDonald.

Greenhaf is in charge of a local building firm and has been instrumental in the changes made to Spytty Park this season, including the barrier in the main terrace and work on the impressive new club shop.

McDonald, who was also key to the club shop operation, is expected help increase County’s media coverage, having already established a greater radio and print media presence for the Exiles this season through his contacts at Tiles Ahead in Cwmbran.

“It’s fantastic for us to welcome to new and eager members of the board,” Chris Blight commented. “This has been a perfect season and we’ve said countless times we’d love to have more members of the board, who can give a fresh perspective as well as the obvious financial benefits.

“The club are in the best financial position we’ve been in for a number of years and we are thrilled to welcome two new members onto the board.

For boss Holdsworth it’s a case of wait and see with plans for next term already well under way.

“I’ve signed six players from the current squad and of course there will be plenty more,” he said.

“We have an idea on the players we hope to bring in to improve our squad and the first part of doing any of that is talking to all my current players. I expect to do that as soon as possible.”

Holdsworth is beginning to reflect on being the manager of the greatest side in Conference South history, the Exiles the first to smash the 100 point barrier” “It’s been an amazing season, I am proud for my players and for myself.

“People must remember we’ve done this without buying success and we’re rewarded by heading into a league jam packed with ‘Football League’ sides.