NEWPORT County AFC fans were rightly surfing a wave of optimism as they left Rodney Parade on Saturday but the default setting for most Exiles supporters is definitely glass half empty.

Despite what Keith Curle says, County were excellent and fully deserved to defeat Carlisle United and end their unbeaten league record.

Those at the ground lapped up what they were watching and the atmosphere during the game and the reaction of the fans afterwards suggests that the belief is there that this side can beat the drop.

And if they carry on their current arc of improvement they will not just survive but thrive in League Two under Westley’s direction.

It was a joy to see so many happy faces at Rodney Parade and hopefully there will be more smiles on display after tonight’s FA Cup replay against Alfreton Town.

But the weekend trip to Notts County and a reunion with former boss John Sheridan brings back memories of last season and will prompt those of a pessimistic nature to question how long this upturn can last.

It was only 12 months ago that Sheridan revived the Exiles’ fortunes after a woeful start to the campaign under Terry Butcher – just as Westley has done this term following Warren Feeney’s dismissal.

Westley’s team may still be bottom of the League Two table but they are five unbeaten in all competitions.

Sheridan’s side went 10 games without defeat before losing a crazy match 4-3 at Meadow Lane last December.

Notts County soon sacked Ricardo Moniz and Sheridan was installed as favourite to replace him.

He didn’t land the job then but his brief reign in south Wales lasted just three more games – two defeats and a draw – before he was lured away to Oldham Athletic via a Greater Manchester branch of Costa Coffee.

Like Sheridan, Westley has been quite clear that he sees Newport as a stepping stone – a diversion on the way to bigger and better things.

Most fans will no doubt accept that state of affairs as merely an indicator of the club’s place in the football pecking order.

A club of County’s size and limited means will always find it hard to ward off the covetous glances of the bigger boys.

Westley has only just arrived and he’s already been linked with moves to Grimsby Town and MK Dons.

And if he continues to inspire eye-catching results like Saturday’s and get County climbing the table the fear is that sooner or later he’ll receive an offer he can’t refuse.

The hope is that Westley will stick around long enough to guide this group of players away from the relegation zone, into mid-table and maybe have something to play for come the Spring.

He’s clearly enjoying himself at the moment, even showing off some dad dancing moves on the touchline against Carlisle.

The players have bought into his tougher training schedule and new ways of thinking and the fans love the way he’s transformed the team in such a short space of time.

It will be interesting to see what kind of reception Sheridan, who left Oldham for Notts in the summer, gets from the travelling members of the amber army this weekend.

His departure was acrimonious but he did get things back on track last season and paved the way for Feeney to secure the club’s Football League status.

A lot will depend on the result and I couldn’t help but smile when reading Sheridan’s reaction to the Magpies’ 4-0 loss at Blackpool.

"We were totally inept," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We could be playing the Red Lion on Tuesday and if we play like today any team will beat us."

Sheridan admitted his side could have lost by "seven or eight" and he was left "a very angry man" at full-time.

"I've been a manager for probably over 500 games now and that is probably the worst performance under my management," he added.

"That is harsh for me to say, but I will not accept anything that went on today.

"We were a shambles. We didn't deserve anything and we didn't create a chance. If we are not at the races and perform like today we won't win any games for the rest of the season.

"I hope they realise they need to step up big time – if they don't, then there is something wrong with them."

Alan Smith, the 36-year-old former England, Leeds, Manchester United and Newcastle forward, was one player that drew some praise after the loss at Bloomfield Road.

"Smudge does all right for me. He is the only one that has a bit of fight about him," Sheridan concluded.

The hosts will be without the injured Jon Stead and the suspended Vadaine Oliver after his straight red card at Blackpool.

And that increases the likelihood that Exiles academy graduate Aaron Collins, on loan at Notts from Wolverhampton Wanderers, will start against his former club.

The County fans and board of directors have a lot to thank Sheridan and Collins for but they’ll be hoping to give both another miserable afternoon this coming Saturday and give Westley another reason to stick around.

He appears to be building something special and, as he’s found out in the past, the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.