ACTING chairman Howard Greenhaf have urged the Newport County AFC fans to back the Supporters Trust takeover of the club.

The proposed transfer of control of the Exiles took a big step forward today as the club revealed that former chairman Les Scadding, who stood down last month, was set to transfer his majority shareholding to the Trust.

Greenhaf told the Argus that he will retain his shares in the club for now but he and the club's non-executive directors were ready to step down and help the transition any way they can.

“We’ve not had discussions about my shares but the Trust don’t need them because they have a majority,” he said.

“The current board will now step down to give the fans a clean slate.

“They still need Football League approval but essentially the Trust will own the club.

“They will want to appoint their own board but I will be there to help them if they want my help and they will be assisted by Supporters Direct.

“I’m stepping down but I’m still a fan and I’ll still be going to games so I want to help the transition if I can.

“I’ll be there if they need me because I’m a lifelong Trust member and I was the one who brought the Trust on board in the first place so I want this to work.”

The Trust will hold a public meeting at the Riverfront Theatre at 7pm on Friday night to reveal more details and Greenhaf says it is vital that as many fans as possible attend.

“Hopefully the fans will put their hands in their pockets,” he added.

“The Trust will own the club and it could be fantastic but the fans need to get behind this.

“It was great that we had a rich chairman in Les but he’s gone now and we need fresh investment.

“Season ticket sales are down by about 300 and we need more money in so that we can increase Terry’s playing budget.

“We feel the fans’ takeover is the best way forward for the club to attract new investment.

“But the fans will need to put their hands in their pockets as well. There will be no excuses now!”

Of the various fans groups, the Newport County AFC Disabled Supporters Association said: “It is now more important than ever to join the Supporters Trust; the club will be back in the hands of the fans, so give what you can to secure our future.

“The DSA cannot financially contribute to this as it wouldn't be ethical and within our remit but we are right behind the takeover and would recommend our committee and members to personally get involved.

“Although our job remains the same whoever the board is at Newport County, we already have a relationship with the Trust and they fully understand our remit and ambitions to help the club move forward and thus we fully support them in this venture.

The County Choir said: “We support this 100 per cent and we’re willing to help in any way now and for the foreseeable future.”

The Smile Council, the main fundraiser for the club's junior academy, has confirmed it is fully supportive of the takeover and will be attending Friday's public meeting.