WALES manager Chris Coleman believes Newport County will top Cardiff’s achievement of reaching the Carling Cup final if they can secure a first ever contest at Wembley.

The Exiles are on the verge of reaching the FA Trophy final after a 3-1 first leg win over Wealdstone at Spytty Park.

The Ryman Premier outfit was boosted last week by a message of support from England manager Stuart Pearce and Coleman has followed suit with a ringing endorsement of the Exiles.

"They have such small resources, maybe it’s even a bigger achievement than Cardiff and Swansea getting to Wembley if they can make it," Coleman told the Argus.

"I think we need Newport to be back where they belong, when I was a player they were a fixture in the league and I played many times at Somerton Park.

"They are well supported, a very good club and it’d be great to get them back in the Football League."

Coleman has followed the Exiles progress this term and is keen to see them shrug off an otherwise disappointing campaign.

"Certainly getting to Wembley would be a big boost for the club and for the city and we are right behind them," he said.

"I hope they do it, if they get there it is such an achievement considering the tough times they’ve had.

"Even this season has been a struggle for them but reaching Wembley would be a magnificent achievement.

"It’s not just in terms of the finance, it’s the kudos, the city hasn’t had a lot to shout about in football terms but everyone wants to play at Wembley.

"They’ve got a great, great chance now and I sincerely hope they do it. I will follow along closely on Saturday."

Coleman was in Newport yesterday as work began on the £4.1 million project that will make the city the home of the FAW and their new development centre.

Coleman intends it to also be the base for the senior side.

“I think so, that would make sense, in essence this will become the home of Welsh football,” he said.

l Building begins, page four