MICHAEL PEARLMAN SAYS: Good times at last (From South Wales Argus)

MICHAEL PEARLMAN SAYS: Good times at last

12:30pm Thursday 30th April 2009

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NEWPORT County AFC’s season may have ended, but rarely will the Exiles supporters be anticipating a new campaign more than they are now.

It’s a mere matter of three months until we can look forward to the new Blue Square South campaign and the County faithful will genuinely be eyeing not just a promotion challenge, but a title one.

It’s been a simply magnificent turnaround from Dean Holdsworth and his charges with the masses of volunteers, Supporters Trust members and the directors I called into question a few times last season fully deserving of what should be a very exciting campaign at Spytty Park next term.

A year ago County were a complete and utter shambles. Writing so then produced a vitriolic response but I think most supporters would now accept that if anything the Exiles have overachieved this term.

However, for all the appalling decisions at board level this term, Dean Holdsworth has now found his feet as a Blue Square South manager and things are really starting to take shape.

Most important, of course, is the infrastructure at the club. While I will never understand the ‘sledgehammer to smash a nut’ routine from the County board last summer in the removal of the previous boss, nor their frankly laughable treatment of Ian Hillier, the fact is that Chris Blight in particular is fully deserving of seeing how well people have come together at the club since the New Year.

Blight suffered from caring too much and trying to do EVERYTHING at the club for a period of time, he’s now able to become more of a figurehead off the field, although one that is never afraid to dig deep for the Exiles.

By Christmas this season things looked worrying. The tragic passing of one director, volunteers who have become mainstays of the club taking the decision to stay away, a manager who seemed to be constantly swimming against the tide and an extremely apathetical fanbase (attendances well down on last season).

However, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel and on and off the field we have cause for huge optimism.

We all await with interest the meeting with Matt Southall and the County Supporters Trust – boss Holdsworth has expressed genuine excitement about how the club will be run off the field next term and a more inclusive and transparent operating system has been promised.

It sounds brilliant and I for one can’t wait to hear more. Non-league football is not a place for off the field in-fighting and backbiting, all credit to Nigel Dutson and all the Supporters Trust organisers who are so determined to put you, the supporter, back in charge of your football club.

In Matt Southall, County have the kind of fan every non-league football club in the world dreams of. He has been in regular contact with Holdsworth since the New Year and has done more than people realise in persuading the ‘Gaffer’ not to crack under considerable pressure from supporters.

The Holdsworth haters have become Holdsworth sceptics since the Exiles’ fine late run of form (unbeaten in the final seven games) took them into the top ten of the Blue Square South.

Those same fans will still voice concerns over the boss who used 54 players in one season, who presided over two of the worst home defeats in the history of the club (pre or post AFC).

But those same fans will surely acknowledge that finally Holdsworth has started to shape a terrific squad.

He meets with his players tonight to offer terms for next season.

Goalkeeper Glyn Thompson will likely be an Exile next season. Martyn Giles is signed; Matt Smith should stay on to compete with him.

I understand that defender Steve Jenkins will be offered new terms both for his playing and coaching ability, Holdsworth valuing more and more his contribution off the field as the season unfolded, particularly when the chips were down.

Paul Cochlin stays, Paul Cook will be offered terms, his decision surely likely to come down to whether any of the Hampshire sides offer him a deal for next term as he lives in Southampton.

Nathan Davies and Scott Rogers have been secured for next season along with Danny Rose and I understand the Wiltshire based Wayne Turk is keen to follow suit. That’s a superb nucleus of midfielders for a start.

In attack, County already had Craig Reid and Scott Armitage signed and sealed before the terrific news yesterday that Dave Gilroy has been snapped up from Bath City.

With over 50 goals in two seasons at Twerton Park, County potentially have a front-pairing now that will be the envy of the Blue Square South.

I’ve already mentioned the looming situation with the Bath sides and the players potentially up for grabs (Team Bath having resigned from the Blue Square South). Holdsworth has the funds to strengthen in key areas and is still targeting defensive reinforcements, wide midfield players and a fourth choice striker.

While he’d like to keep Paul Bignot, the free agent will surely take his time and see what he’s offered. Holdsworth is discussing Sam Foley’s situation with Kidderminster. He’d like to keep them both.

Amazingly, by this time next week, Holdsworth’s playing squad for next season will be largely sorted. It couldn’t be more in contrast to last season and couldn’t bode better for next term.

They’ll spend a whole pre-season together with four extremely attractive pre-season games being lined up (watch this space).

It’s been a tough term for County fans in the past year. The future looks bright indeed.

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