CARETAKER manager Sean McCarthy has backed new boss Graham Westley to get Newport County AFC climbing the League Two table quickly.

McCarthy signed off with a 0-0 draw at Colchester United on Saturday, a result that saw County remain three points adrift at the bottom of the table.

But, with two games in hand and a first clean sheet since August 13, McCarthy is positive about the Exiles’ fate as Westley takes charge on Monday morning.

Speaking after Saturday’s match at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, McCarthy said: “I’ve not seen Graham yet. He was at the game but he didn’t come into the changing room.

“Four or five names were bandied about and I think it came down to Mark Yates and Graham and they made the decision on Friday morning I believe.

“He’s got a good track record. He’s taken teams up from non-league, he’s kept teams up, he’s managed at Preston and Peterborough – two big clubs – and I’m sure he will be the man to get us out of the situation we’re in.

“We’ve got two games in hand as well and we’re not a bad side,” he added.

“I think hopefully the luck might have just changed for the lads and they can start climbing the table.”

Westley watched the match from the stands alongside Dino Maamria, who was his assistant at Stevenage and Preston North End.

McCarthy is uncertain about where he fits into the new man’s plans, if at all.

“I honestly don’t know,” he said. “Graham is coming in on Monday and I believe he’s going to speak to each and every one of us so I’ll probably know more then.

“Our goalkeeping coach James Bittner is under contract so he’ll be OK I’d imagine.

“I’d love to stay. I’m from just down the road in Bridgend. I’ve got family there, my wife’s parents still live there and I’m not too far from my home base in Plymouth so I’d definitely like to stay.”

But the experience of taking charge since Warren Feeney’s sacking has not persuaded McCarthy that he wants to be a number one any time soon.

“No, it really hasn’t,” he said. “I don’t know how people do it.

“Everyone thinks they can go in there and do it. They think it’s easy but I can tell you now – it isn’t.

“I’ve found it really tough, challenging. But I’m still alive, I’ve come through it and we’ll see what the future holds.

“It has been a real tough 10 days,” he added. “Have I enjoyed it? I enjoyed that today but having 24 players to look after every morning on your own hasn’t been easy.

“But credit to the lads, they’ve made it easier for me.

“They have aged me but we got a point so it was worth it!”