THE Newport County AFC board of directors have confirmed that money has been made available for manager Graham Westley to further strengthen the squad.

Westley has already made six new signings since the January transfer window opened on New Year’s Day but he stated after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Stevenage that more recruits are needed.

And, in a communication to fans and shareholders, the board says there is money to fund more new arrivals.

The statement also makes clear that directors have no part in identifying potential recruits.

“The board has made funds available for the manager in this window,” said the statement.

“It would be naïve of us to release a figure as this will merely reduce any negotiation position with those the manager is trying to bring in.

“It is also important to recognise that the manager is responsible for identifying those players he believes will contribute to getting us out of the position the club finds itself in. That is not a board function.

“The board has never, and does not intend to, start taking an involvement in any player selection.

“Its engagement in the player recruitment process is to ensure the club is protected with the deals that are being agreed.

“The manager and his team are working hard to bring in more recruits this week and the outcome of these discussions will be communicated when they are completed.

“It is worthy of note that we will never as a club communicate the signing of a player until it is complete.

“The process is rather complex and has a number of hand off points including international clearance.”

Central to the signing of new players will be newly appointed secretary and head of operations Alex Tunbridge, who previously worked with Westley at Stevenage.

The statement adds: “Alex was at Stevenage for seven years as head of foundation and then managing director of their academy.

“He played a pivotal role in the transition of the club from the non-league to an established Football League club.

“More recently he has spent a year in the USA as operations director.

“He has previously worked with the manager at Stevenage and thus hits the ground running given his relationship.”

On the Rodney Parade pitch problems, the club says that a special EFL report has been shared with Rodney Parade Ltd, which “identifies a number of recommendations covering both short and more medium-term solutions.

“The report clearly indicates that it is not for the consumption of a wider audience; the club has to abide by that instruction.

“The Board have met with League representatives and those that produced the report. In addition, the board has met with Rodney Parade.

“A response will be going back to the League this week and the plan will then be implemented.”

The statement also addresses the fixture clash on May 6 when the Exiles are due to host Notts County at 3pm and Newport Gwent Dragons are scheduled to take on Cardiff Blues at 5.15pm.

There is no solution to the problem yet but County are understood to have priority under EFL rules.

“There is indeed a clash of fixtures with the Dragons on May 6,” it reads.

“The board have been in dialogue with the Football League and the Dragons to identify a solution to the clash.

“We will continue to engage with all parties to try and resolve, always recognising the basis upon which we were granted permission by the League to play at Rodney Parade.”

The 2016 AGM meetings for both County and the Supporters Trust will be held on January 19 at 7.30pm at the Riverfront Theatre.

Prior to the meeting there will be presentations by the manager and on the club accounts to June 30 last year with a projection of performance for the current year. After the meetings, there will be an open question and answer session involving the board of directors.

The accounts will be available online this week with a commentary identifying highlights.

The accounts have been independently audited by HSJ Audit Limited and signed off by senior statutory auditor Robyn Hughes.

The board statement says: “There are no matters of concern Robyn wishes to raise and he has certified the accounts have been prepared in accordance with statutory requirements.

“He has examined projections and agrees that the County be considered a going concern.

“Significant action has been taken to reduce the trading deficit inherited on takeover but, as will be outlined at the meeting, challenges continue and are added to by falling gate revenue.”

The statement adds: “Board members have for some time been meeting with Mark Crook gaining his thoughts and views on a number of matters.

“As a result of these discussions we are delighted to say that Mark has accepted an invitation to be co-opted on to the board with immediate effect.

“We will be holding Supporters Trust surgeries this year before all Saturday games from 1.30pm in the club shop.

“It is hoped that these can also be held before all Tuesday night games in the future.”

The statement concludes: “We recognise the difficult position we are in and ask we all pull together and play our part.”