THERE was a “genuine risk” that Newport County AFC would not have survived without the intervention of the Supporters Trust last year, according to the fans’ group.

However, the trust now say that the club, thanks largely to the sale of Conor Washington, is in a “very sound” financial position going into the new campaign.

The trust was given the opportunity to acquire control of the Exiles 12 months ago before the Rodney Parade outfit became fully fan-owned last autumn.

In their end of year financial statement, the trust reveal that the scale of the club’s losses (almost £2m over three years) and investment of Les Scadding (£1.7m in equity and loans) showed how important it was they got involved.

“When our advisers were finally able to conduct a comprehensive review of the records it revealed almost £300k of unsustainable debt as at June 30, 2015, comprising bank overdraft (£80k), arrears of tax (£30k), arrears to major creditors (£80k) and advance commercial income for 2015/16 banked before the year end (£100k),” the statement reads.

“It also became clear that the club’s forecasts for the current season had been unrealistically optimistic and, without decisive action, the club was facing an unsustainable level of debt by the end of the financial year.

“As the new board was coming to terms with the scale of the club’s financial difficulties, it was also facing a critical decision regarding the future of the manager (Terry Butcher) and his support team following the club’s poor start to the league campaign.

“Under the contracts inherited, any decision to dismiss the management team would have triggered significant upfront severance payments – which would merely aggravate an already dire financial situation, although through engagement a slightly less costly settlement was eventually negotiated.

“In view of all of these circumstances, there was a genuine risk that the club would not have survived but for the trust’s intervention.”

It seems now that the Exiles are on a more secure financial footing and the trust say things are looking positive going forward.

“The club no longer has to look to discount season tickets or use commercial money to sustain the club through the close season where there is limited revenue,” the statement continued.

“In short, the club is in a very sound financial position for the forthcoming season and with the season ticket and commercial revenue broadly comparable with what it received for the sale of Washington.”

Meanwhile, Jon Bowkett, Neil Collier, Mike Everett, Gavin Foxall, Shaun Johnson, Tony Pring, Simon Sadler and Malcolm Temple have all been elected onto the trust board.

Chris Collins was the unlucky candidate to miss out with eight spots up for grabs.

The votes cast for each candidate were as follows: Jon Bowkett (583), Chris Collins (351), Neil Collier (538), Mike Everett (587), Gavin Foxall (634), Shaun Johnson (576), Tony Pring (518), Simon Sadler (612), Malcolm Temple (513).

A total of 2,126 ballot papers were issued with 762 returned and the voter turnout was 35.84%.

Only four ballot papers were rejected, all were blank with an explanatory note included.

The reasons for their non-completion were a member being deceased, having resigned their membership or being untraceable having moved from the address held on record.

The count team was Colin Everett, James Hayhoe, David Hando and Phil Burgess.

All candidates were invited to attend the count and a number were able to do so.

The candidates, subject to accepting the position, take up office with immediate effect, subject to the formality of passing the Football League’s fit and proper persons test (required for all football club directors).