Fans' Newport County takeover a step closer

New Newport manager Terry Butcher (centre) has had to prepare with a reduced budget

Newport County's Supporters Trust has taken interim control of the League Two club in a further step towards being owned by the fans.

Their millionaire backer Les Scadding has backed the move in which the club's board has stood down.

A club statement said the move followed a "productive" meeting on Tuesday,

Tony Pring is interim chairman, succeeding Howard Greenhaf, with Jason Turner named as chief executive of the League Two club.

Fellow trust board members Jon Bowkett, Gavin Foxall and Shaun Johnson have joined Pring on the interim board.

Turner was appointed general manager during the off-season.

Greenhaf has backed the Supporters Trust's planned takeover.

The club had already announced major shareholder Scadding was gifting his holding to Trust, which is seeking approval of the Football League for the takeover.

Greenhaf will also hand over his shares once the agreement is complete.

Manager Terry Butcher is working with a reduced budget and has said the club "is like a snake shedding its skin".