JASON Perry has an ambition - to cement Newport County AFC's place as Wales' fourth football team.

The Exiles assistant manager took over as Tim Harris' number two in November and the duo are aiming for a Nationwide Conference place.

The defiant 31-year-old believes this season is still alive for County even though the Welshmen are out of all the major cup competitions and are languishing in 13th place in the league.

But Perry (pictured) insists: "We are still aiming for first place. Why not? "If there is still a mathematical chance then we'll go for it. But we want to get as far up that table as we possibly can."

County are currently fighting fellow Dr Martens League Premier Division side Merthyr Tydfil for the accolade of Wales' fourth club behind Second Division pair Cardiff City and Wrexham and Division Three side Swansea City.

"I want to establish County as Wales' number four club," said Perry.

"The manager has dreams and ambitions for this club and I share them, that's why I took the assistant manager's job when it was offered to me.

"I was successful as a player and I want to continue that into my management career, starting at Newport County.

"We are getting the structures in place at the club and we want to be in the Conference sooner rather than later."

Newport-based Perry, a football development officer for the FAW in Bridgend, spent most of his playing days ten miles down the M4 at Cardiff - but he says he is committed to Newport.

"I didn't realise the rivalry between Newport and Cardiff when I joined," admitted the father-of-two.

"But the fans have been great and I'm now 100 per cent Newport County, I just want to win things with them."

County have only played six league games since their home defeat against Hinckley United on November 10. They have won three and drawn three of those six matches.

And this match at Hednesford Town's Keys Park today (3pm) is another important game as the Staffordshire side are down the bottom struggling for points.

"It will be a tough game today," said Perry. "There is no doubt about that but we can get a good result if we work hard enough and keep focused."

County's new signing, Justin Richards, a loan capture from Bristol Rovers, is in today's squad but captain and right-back Darren Robison (knee), right-winger Stuart James (knee) and striker Garry Shephard (collarbone) are all missing.