Millionaire Les Scadding takes over as Newport County chairman

EuroMillions lottery winner Les Scadding has been appointed chairman of Newport County.

Scadding, who won the £45.5m jackpot with his wife in 2009, had recently accepted an offer to join Newport's board.

The lifelong fan has now taken the role of chairman as the Blue Square Bet Premier club prepare for fresh investment from local businessmen.

in July, Chris Blight resigned as chairman after 10 years on the board.

Blight reportedly received abusive telephone calls both on his mobile and at home from individuals, unhappy at suggestions that he had blocked potential new investment into the club.

He had overseen County's promotion to the Conference and their move from the council-owned Spytty Park home to groundshare with the city's rugby team at Rodney Parade.

David Hando replaced Blight as interim chairman, and he will now continue in his role as the club's honorary president.

Further changes to the board see Tony Pring and Dave Roberts join as directors.

"We are delighted to announce that Les Scadding has accepted an offer to become Chairman of Newport County AFC," said a club statement.

"We are sure that you will join us in wishing Les every success in his new role.

"Everyone at the football club would like to thank David Hando for stepping in as interim chairman over the past month."