MANAGER Graham Coughlan feels that a new owner for Newport County AFC, such as former Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins, will help the team grow.
The League Two Exiles, who have been owned by a Supporters Trust since 2015, will host a special public meeting on Thursday, September 28, at which a vote on a change in ownership arrangement will be place.
County’s board is in advanced negotiations with two groups of possible investors and will offer one bidder to Trust members, with 75% approval required.
Jenkins, a former Swansea manager, is one of the competitors, along with a US-based offer, and has been conducting research on the club’s finances as he bids to return to professional football.
The west Walian had an extraordinary 17-year period in charge of Swansea, taking the club from near-relegation in 2003 to promotion to the Premier League in 2011.
The Swans spent seven seasons in the Premier League, won the League Cup in 2013, and competed in Europe.
“Anybody who knows football will be aware of the Swansea fairytale and the work he put in there,” Coughlan added, emphasizing that he is unaware of the favored bidder.
“As I keep saying, this is a fantastic football club to be a part of.” It has a large fan base and is the beating heart of the city; there are some extremely talented players and individuals at the club.
“We’ve tried to shape it up in the last 12 months since I’ve come in to make it a little more professional and to raise our standards.”
“I prefer to stay on the grass and focus on the balls, cones, and players rather than the politics.”
“I’m sure the powers that be at this club have everything under control, as they have with most things since I’ve been here.”
The Trust has said that the chosen bidder would be announced to members “at least three days before the meeting.”
