BERNARD Jackman’s appointment as Dragons supremo has “galvanised the whole of Gwent”, according to Rodney Parade backs coach Shaun Connor.

Former Ireland hooker Jackman took the reins from Kingsley Jones in June, not long before the Welsh Rugby Union officially gained control of the region.

Jackman has been active in trying to garner more support for the Dragons since taking charge this summer, with plans to visit every rugby club in Gwent.

On the field, Jackman’s men have endured some testing times in the Guinness PRO14, but there is hope his side are getting closer to turning the corner.

And with signings such as Ross Moriarty, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Williams in the bag for next term, many feel a brighter future is not too far away.

Connor, for one, is optimistic moving forward and feels the Dragons’ boss is doing his best to bring the region closer together in their support for the Men of Gwent.

“I’m a Gwent boy and I’ve never known this,” he said. “Bernard has come in and been a breath of fresh air.

“He’s stated what he wants to do with the region and he’s acting on it.

“His vision is achievable and he’s obviously a very good salesman because he’s meeting these players and they are signing for us, so long may it continue.”

He added: “I think Bernard coming in has galvanised the whole of Gwent rather than just Newport.

“Newport is a massive part of Gwent but there’s now a lot of good feeling in the valleys, in Pontypool, Cwmbran and Ebbw Vale.

“There’s a lot of new support coming here as well and that can only bode well for the Dragons and for the future.”

The Dragons are also interested in bringing Wales international winger George North to Rodney Parade next season.

While it was reported last week that they had held informal talks with Australian star Quade Cooper.

When asked to comment on the speculation linking his region with Cooper, Connor said: “I think it’s just rumours.

“Bernard deals with recruitment so you’d have to ask him.

“I think the squad we’re building for next year will put bums on seats anyway.

“Friday (against Enisei-STM) wasn’t a great spectacle but if we can reproduce performances like the Ulster game then I’m sure it won’t be long before the stadium is filled.”