THIS Friday is the closing date for applications for postal and proxy votes for the next Newport County AFC Trust board elections.

There are five vacancies for board members to be appointed by the membership and six candidates are up for election.

They are Phil Ashcroft, Ryan Courtney, Colin Faulkner, Bob Herrin, Rob Santwris and Kevin Ward.

Each candidate has submitted a personal statement and these can be read in full online at ncafctrust.org.

Ashcroft, who has attended all home and away matches for the last four years, says: “I have time and commitment to offer the club and I’m willing to help out in any way.”

A fan for 45 years, Courtney says: “The future of Newport County is our academy. I feel I’m well placed to be the connection between the academy, the Trust and the board, as well as taking direction from our fans that I represent on any matter.”

Faulkner, founder of the County Disabled Supporters’ Association, says: “I believe I can forge strong relationships to increase the club’s prominence in the city and outlying areas. My passion for fundraising means I have ideas to help strengthen and progress the club’s financial sustainability.”

Herrin, chairman of the County Supporters’ Club, says: “I would endeavour to pull together all the differing parties within the club into a single united group with the sole idea of getting the club to progress.”

Santwris, a former director and a fan since 1975, says: “I want to compliment the skills of the people already at the club, and do the things that I am good at to make the club money and give it a sustainable, long term future.”

And Ward, the former editor of the South Wales Argus, says: “I am a fan who wants to use his skills, experience and contacts to help the club move forward. I would intend to play a key role in improving the club’s communications.”

Voting will take place on December 23, when County host Lincoln City at Rodney Parade, and January 1, when they are at home to Exeter City.

But applications for postal and proxy votes must be made to the club office by 5pm on Friday.

Forms are available online at ncafctrust.org and must be returned via email to elections@ncafctrust.org or to Trust Elections, Newport County AFC, Newport Stadium, Newport International Sports Village, Spytty Boulevard, Newport, NP19 4RA.

January 1 is the closing date for the return of postal votes and the election count will take place on January 6, when the results will be announced.