NEWPORT County’s Supporters’ Trust believe it was a ‘no-brainer’ to appoint John Sheridan as the Exiles’ new manager, believing him to be head-and-shoulders above other candidates for the post.

The Exiles’ new hierarchy, put in charge of the club on Thursday after fans raised £236,000 to become the majority stakeholder in the club, wasted little time in making their mark, with Terry Butcher and his assistants Russell Osman and Steve Marsella relieved of their duties.

The Trust are yet to disclose details of Butcher’s departure, but have promised they will do so after Saturday’s clash with Exeter at Rodney Parade.

However, after sacking and then appointing a new manager in a whirlwind 24-hours, the Trust expressed hope that a bright new era is about to begin.

“We saw John as the head and shoulders best candidate, his pedigree speaks for itself and made him a no-brainer,” interim chairman Tony Pring explained.

“He’s done it in this division and that’s what we need, someone with that experience.

“It’s our first game, it is John’s first game, we want it to be a great occasion and a family day as well; we are treating it as the start of the season. It’s a fresh start for the club.”

Sheridan admitted the move came as a surprise, with contact only coming after Butcher had been dismissed.

“I’m here until the end of the season, that’s the agreement,” he explained.

“I got a phone call on Thursday afternoon saying ‘would I be interested in coming to help the club’ because of the position they are in and that’s how it came about.

“I was 110% certain about taking it and I will give it all my effort. The club is in a difficult position and I want to get them out of it. I’ve done it before and I can do it again.

“It’s a really tough challenge, but one I’m excited about.

“The club is in a very vulnerable position, but I’m confident I can get them up the league.”

The Supporters’ Trust has assured Sheridan he will be able to bring players in after the fans exceeded the total needed to take over the club by £40,000.

“We will try and do anything we can to help John, we want to do what is best for the club and survival is a key aim for us, retaining our Football League status,” director John Bowkett explained.

“We are trying to do the best we possibly can for the supporters after their brilliant backing that they’ve given us.”

Sheridan will be joined in the dug-out by youth coach Byron Anthony and Mike Flynn, who is returning to the Exiles in a coaching capacity.

For a full interview with Sheridan, see page 43