FORMER Chairman Les Scadding has urged the Newport County AFC fans to back the Supporters Trust takeover of the club and become 'custodians of their own destiny'.

Scadding, who stood down as chairman and director last month, is prepared to transfer his majority shareholding to the Trust.

And the EuroMillions lottery winner wants all fans to support the move, which he describes as a 'rare opportunity' to 'help the club evolve and grow.'

In a statement Scadding said: "I would like to place on record my personal support and best wishes for the future of our beloved Newport County AFC.

"After the privilege of being chairman over recent years, I now truly believe that this is a significant moment where the people of Newport can become the custodians of their own destiny at their football club.

"With the Supporters Trust at the helm of the ownership, all fans can become a part of that history and help the club evolve and grow.

"This is a rare opportunity, so I would now urge each and every Newport County AFC supporter to join the ranks and do all you can to support this proposed fan-based ownership.

"The club wants and needs you now like never before, and to this end, the Supporters Trust want to unify the fans to become one.

"I support this and have done all I can to ensure this proposal goes ahead and will continue to support and assist in whatever way I can.

"I support and encourage that the club now builds from recent successes a bright future, including the introduction of an entirely new board and management operating systems, with accountability and transparency.

"I hope and believe the fans of Newport County AFC will support and back this opportunity and feel the same enthusiasm as we do."