THERE IS little doubt that we are in testing times for three of our main city sports clubs in Newport.

Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC are deep in the midst of talks over the sale of Rodney Parade to the WRU.

While to some of those involved, this seems a straightforward proposition in order to provide much-needed security for the future of rugby in the city, to many others it is anything but.

For Newport RFC it means selling their key asset,

It would also involve the removal of Newport and Gwent from the name of the Dragons.

But there is another element in the mix and that is Newport County AFC which of course shares the ground.

The football club is in the midst of a tricky season on the pitch but now it also appears there are financial concerns at the club and discussions have been held with potential investors.

However while such talk would seem to be welcome news, it would also necessitate a change in the very way the club operates.

There is much passion surrounding the current situation. It is vital to harness that, but it is also essential that a secure future is created for all three clubs.