JIMMY Dack admits it’s a case of no more Mr nice guy as he prepares Newport County AFC for a promotion push.

The Exiles are still in the play-off berths in League Two despite a disastrous spell that saw the club accrue just a point from five games during the uncertainty on the future of Justin Edinburgh.

The ex-Rushden boss subsequently departed for Gillingham in League One, with his long-time assistant Dack stepping into the breach as Newport’s caretaker boss.

However, all signs point to Dack being allowed to continue until the end of the campaign if results are good and a morale boosting midweek draw with Tranmere was followed by a superb victory for the Exiles last time out as Yan Klukowski’s double downed high-flying Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.

That prompted a team huddle and show of unity that clearly showed the County players supportive of Dack, but he admits his role at the club is very different now.

“It’s very different, my role certainly changes, I’ve had to take a step back from the players if you like, an assistant is more about bridging that gap between the manager and the players,” he told the Argus.

“My door is always open for them, they know that, but there is a lot more I have to do for the football club now and that inevitably means spending less time in and around the players.

“But I just try to be honest and straight with the players and that’s all I want back from them, if they are honest with one another, and with me, we will always have a chance.”

Dack also explained the importance of coach Wayne Hatswell, who has effectively taken on the role of assistant boss and coach since Edinburgh’s departure.

“Wayne is doing what he was, he’s a meticulous guy with incredible attention to detail and he works hard,” he said.

“I am really glad to have him alongside me; he makes the transition much smoother and means it is business as usual.”

Dack is aware of the potential pitfalls of being in caretaker charge and admits it was vital the Exiles got off to a winning start under his watch.

County never recovered their form after former manager Dean Holdsworth left mid-season despite the best efforts of then caretaker Tim Harris, now the manager of Gloucester City.

“Getting some points on the board, it breeds confidence, I really believe in the players and I think they’ve really had their backs to the wall for the last month.

“We’ve had some closure to the situation, drawn a line under it and though we won’t forget what Justin has done for this club, which is nothing short of fantastic, but the boys have moved on and so have I.

“I am now going to lead these players to finish as high as we possibly can.”