REPRESENTATIVES of six Newport County AFC fans groups gathered together at the Riverfront Theatre tonight to prove they are united in their backing of the proposed Supporters Trust takeover of the club.

Members of the Official Supporters Club, the Subscription Draw committee, the Smile Council, the County Choir, the 100 Club and the Disables Supporters Association all attended a private briefing by the Trust ahead of Friday night’s open meeting at the same venue.

Members of the Business Club were also invited but were unable to attend, although Trust spokesman Gareth Marshman said they too were fully behind the proposed takeover.

“The Trust is the only recognised body that the Football League will talk to,” said Marshman.

“But it’s great to know that the various fans groups are all united in their supporter of what we’re trying to do.”

The fans groups will also be in attendance at the public meeting on Friday when Supporters Direct, who are assisting the Trust as they aim to take control of the Exiles, will also be there to explain the next stage of the process.

“The room we have booked has space for 450 people to be seated with additional space available,” added Marshman.

“It would be great to be able to get close to those sorts of numbers.”

County manager Terry Butcher has also reiterated his support for the Trust’s bid to take control of the majority shareholding from ex-chairman Les Scadding.

“I’ve said before that it can’t be seen as a bad thing to have the supporters running the club,” said Butcher ahead of Sunday’s friendly against QPR at Rodney Parade on Sunday.

“It is something we are very positive about.

“Football is all about passion and if we can get this club going the way we want to then the fans will be a big part of that.

“They are a big part anyway, whether they’re on the board or not, but this is good news for the club long-term.

“There is a lot going on at the club, we are very much being kept aware of that.

“We (Butcher and his staff Russell Osman and Steve Marsella) had a meeting with the board on Monday evening to get the latest information.

“It’s ongoing and that’s all I can say, we’ve got a big game to look forward to and will look to be ready on the pitch.

“But it is amazing what is currently happening at Newport County off the pitch.

“It’s all change, we are going to be a barely recognisable as a club from last season if this takeover goes through.

“I’m new, my staff are new, the players are new, you’re new (Butcher pointed at County’s new media officer James Hayhoe) and only you (pointing at the Argus reporter) are old!”