NEWPORT County AFC defender Darren Jones says the board of directors were right to change the manager early in the season and he believes Graham Westley has plenty of time to ensure the Exiles avoid relegation.

Westley takes charge of his first home match when bottom of the table County host League Two leaders Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

And Jones is convinced that the new manager can halt the slide that led to Warren Feeney being sacked at the end of September.

“Every game is tough now,” said the centre-back. “We need to put in a performance every game and we need points.

“Regardless of who it is, we need to go and win the game.

“But we’ve only played 11 games so there are still 30-odd to go.

“I think the board have made the right decision to bring someone in now.

“He’s got a lot of time to change it and I’m sure we can make the points up this side of Christmas and then hopefully push up the table.”

Jones says the whole squad has been re-energised by Westley’s arrival.

“If it hasn’t then they need to look at themselves,” said the 33-year-old.

“He’s a new manager and everyone’s out to impress.

“He didn’t know hardly any of us so he’s come in and changed formation, he’s changed personnel and everyone had got a clean slate.

“We brought young Finlay [Wood] on the other day and that just goes to show that everyone’s got a clean slate.”

Westley’s first match ended in an unfortunate 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town last week courtesy of a late Dan Butler own goal.

The new boss will be aiming to guide the Exiles to a first home win since March when Plymouth come to Rodney Parade tomorrow.

The visitors have sold out their allocation of tickets for the match and Jones is hoping the home fans turn up in big numbers too.

“Every club would like to think that their home ground is a fortress and that’s where you need to pick up points,” he said.

“A big crowd will be good for us. I think crowds have dropped slightly and that’s because we’ve been poor.

“With a good crowd there it will be a good atmosphere and people should wise up to it and enjoy it.”