NEWPORT County AFC legend Craig Reid believes Graham Westley would be the perfect choice to save the club from relegation and build for the future.

Reid left the Exiles to sign for Westley’s Stevenage in January 2011 and went on to win promotion to League One via the play-offs that season.

And he returned to Stevenage to team up with Westley for a second time in 2014.

The 48-year-old manager is among the favourites to replace Warren Feeney at Rodney Parade and Reid is backing his old boss to bring the good times back for County if he gets the job.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Graham and I think he’d be the perfect person for Newport in the position they’re in at the moment,” said Reid, who is now playing for Gloucester City under former County boss Tim Harris.

“The way he goes about things means you will get a hard-working, strong, disciplined side.

“He leaves no stone unturned in his preparation for the opposition.

“He knows that league and the league above having got promoted with Stevenage and his experience and knowledge of that level would be ideal.”

Westley’s unorthodox methods have not proved popular with players and fans at some clubs, notably Preston North End, but Reid is a big fan.

“Everyone hears rumours about Graham but he gets results,” said the 30-year-old, who scored 66 goals in 112 appearances for County.

“Whether people like him or not I don’t think he’s bothered and the fans and the chairman won’t mind if the team is doing well.

“If the team buys into how he likes things done then they will be successful.

“I always remember when I signed for Stevenage from Newport the team was 18th in League Two and talking to Graham he set out his strategies and he was talking about promotion.

“People thought he was crazy and unrealistic but we bought into his ideas and what he wanted and we did it. It can be done.

“I was lucky to be part of his team,” he added. “Graham gave me my chance to show what I could do in the League and I’m thankful to him for that.

“Playing in that play-off final at Old Trafford and then in League One was a real high point in my career.

“That time at Stevenage, along with my time at Newport, is the best of my career.

“And I have a massive amount of love for Newport so I really hope they get the right man in and turn things round.”