FORMER Newport County manager Peter Beadle and player Steve Jenkins are celebrating after becoming the toast of Hereford, write Michael Pearlman and Ian Morgan.

The duo took over the cash-strapped club after Martin Foyle left the Recreation Ground and dramatically kept Hereford in the Conference on Saturday thanks to an 89th minute winning goal at Aldershot.

Beadle lit a cigar as the euphoria died down at the Recreation Ground.

He reflected on a job well done with his assistant, Jenkins, who also manages Monmouth Town and Monmouth-based physio Jonny Evans

An hour earlier Beadle was one of the calmest men in the stadium as Hereford awaited their fate.

“I like to have a cigar now and again on very, very special occasions,” Beadle revealed after the match.

“I had a feeling that this would be one of them.

“Emotionally, we have had the whole season in just eight games.

“There has been a lot of hard work from the staff from me, Steve and Jonny while kit-man Roger Lloyd has played a massive part - It has been a long eight games.

“All the credit must go to the players. They have bought into a way of playing and have turned it around in short space of time.

“We will see what happens – if the response from the players remains the same, I would love to stay. “

I like to get on the training ground to work with the players and I like to have relationships with the players to make they can come to me and be very open with what’s on their mind.

“I want the best for them. I have thoroughly enjoyed the eight games and I won’t forget it in a long time.”

Jenkins was also thrilled.

“It was a roller-coaster of emotions – with the results changing throughout,” the Monmouth Town boss said.

“But we always believed we would do it. It is a fantastic occasion for Hereford and, hopefully, we can use that momentum to kick on.

“It was mayhem in the changing room after the game – the boys were ecstatic with what had gone on.

“The lads kept their belief and got their rewards.

“Monmouth Town have also won again – to keep Hereford up and for Monmouth to win the league, it would be a fantastic season for me,” said Jenkins.

“But this result is fantastic for Hereford.”