NEWPORT County AFC fans group The Smile Council have confirmed that they are fully behind the proposed takeover of the club by the Supporters Trust, writes Andrew Penman.
The group, which raises funds for the county academy and children's charities in and around the city, took to Twitter to reveal their support after an incorrect paragraph in the Argus on Tuesday that stated they had decided not to comment on the matter.
The Smile Council said: “We would like to put on record that we fully support the Trust move and welcome all co-operation amongst supporters groups.
“We fully support the trust and the takeover by the fans.
“The Smile Council applauds the move and fully supports all other groups.”
And Smile Council committee member Andrew Perry told the Argus: “I can confirm that the Smile Council fully support and endorse the Trust takeover and we will be at the meeting on Friday.”
The Trust will hold a public meeting at the Riverfront Theatre at 7pm on Friday night to reveal more details about their proposed takeover.
Newport County AFC Disabled Supporters Association (NCAFC DSA), the County Choir and the Newport County AFC Supporters Club are also backing the Trust.
The NCAFC DSA 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 Supporters Club said: "As the oldest and longest established supporters group we are supportive of the takeover bid by Newport County AFC Supporters Trust.
"We will continue to support Newport County AFC as we have always done."
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