Rodney Parade: Talks begin to extend Newport County's ground share with Dragons Rugby
- Published
Newport County games takes precedence over rugby matches at Rodney Parade because of Football League rules
Newport County have begun discussions over a long-term extension to their stay at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles' decade-long lease at the historic rugby venue runs out at the end of this season.
New County owner Huw Jenkins says he has started talks with their hosts.
"The initial discussions we've had very briefly with the Dragons is that they are keen to sit down and start negotiating to get it done," Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales.
County have enjoyed back-to-back capacity crowds at Rodney Parade in recent weeks, including more than 9,000 in attendance for Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester United.
But the club's financial situation over the summer had seen only a one-year extension agreed to stay at the ground where they have played home matches since 2012.
Newport made a £1.2m loss in their most recent accounts with the Dragons their biggest creditors.
The deal was only finalised a fortnight before the start of the new League Two season with Newport's budgetary concerns a factor in the delay.
"We had to get this [takeover] finalised but we would like to get a 10 year lease up and running," said former Swansea chairman Jenkins, whose majority ownership of Newport was confirmed by the English Football League (EFL) last week.
"I initially took a risk, not having the t10 year lease in place, so hopefully we can get that done quickly."
Jenkins has also had several meetings with Dragons owners, including chief executive David Buttress, with the hope of better relationships with the rugby region, who themselves took control of Rodney Parade after a private takeover from WRU ownership last summer.
Jenkins says his first priority is to ensure County's finances remain stable following his initial £500,000 investment - and recent FA Cup windfall - and there is hope a clean slate with other stakeholders will allow further plans.
They include long-term hopes over training facilities and improving the academy set-up.
On initial meetings with the Dragons, Jenkins said: "I think we all agree on the same thing - whether the Dragons or Newport County it's all good news for Rodney Parade to run successfully.
"There is a challenge to reduce the costs of running Rodney Parade and the matchday costs associated with both football and rugby, and we are working hard to try and find ways to do that together.
"We will try to form alliances to benefit Newport County and the Dragons, and I am delighted we have a relationship that has started well."
Jenkins is also hopeful of finding a permanent training base for the Exiles, who train in various venues across south Wales, depending on availability and weather, with their previously semi-permanent training base of Newport Stadium not always available to them.
"The training ground is a very important issue and it's no doubt it's a big area to improve," he added.
"To know where you are training each day is not much to ask for but that has been difficult.
"Hopefully the better financial position will provide some stability with the partnerships with Newport City Council, the Football Association of Wales and the University of South Wales in Treforest.
"The club needs better facilities and need to find ways to change the outlook to get that."