Stuart Blount has resigned as Newport captain after almost four seasons at the Audley Avenue helm.The 26-year-old confirmed his decision to the club’s committee with the club starring down the barrel of relegation from Birmingham League division two.
Jonathan Prince will take over as skipper for the remainder of the season, starting with tomorrow’s must-win trip to Aston Manor.
Blount guided Newport to successive promotions from the Shropshire Premier League to Birmingham League division two.
Consolidation was achieved last season, but the departure of a string of key players - including overseas professional Rajat Bhatia - have led to major difficulties this term.
Newport are more than 60 points adrift of the safety line with just six games to go.
“I’ve give it my all for nearly four seasons now but this year hasn’t gone very well,” said Blount, who will continue to play for the remainder of the season at least.
“With the position we are in, it’s fair to say it’s looking like we are down and I thought it was time for someone else to give it a go.
“I had to be talked into doing it this year and I was going to step down at the end of the season anyway.
“I felt it was the right time to go now because it gives someone else the opportunity to do it for the remainder of the season and see if they want to do it next year.
“I love the club and I have loved captaining the boys but we have been four or five players light all season.”
Newport make two changes for tomorrow’s clash with Jonathan Taylor and Rashad Khan coming in for Pat Davenport and Nick Watkins.
St Georges make the daunting trip to runaway leaders Smethwick knowing they must put together a sterling end-of-season run to challenge for the second promotion spot.
Some 20 points and four teams separate the Dragons from that much coveted second spot.
And captain Matt Tilt admits issues with availability are not helping as he prepares to do without the Griffiths brothers - Lee and Jamie - as well as Andy Johnson for tomorrow’s clash.
“We will keep going as far as we can in trying to win every game,” said Tilt.
“But it’s very difficult when you can’t get your strongest team out. A lot of teams are in the same position with holidays and other commitments but it’s a bit frustrating because we should be a lot closer.”
By James Garrison
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