Angry Newport Town chairman Phil Lewis threatens to walk

Town's pre-season preparations have been wrecked because of a lack of commitment shown by the players.

And the situation appears close to breaking point, just a week before the new West Midlands League division two season starts.

Lewis said: "I can confirm that I'm considering calling time on Newport Town.

"At the end of the day, the truth is if we cannot get enough players to commit to games, then we can't fulfill our fixtures.

"Without the players we have not got a club. It really pains me to say this with how far Newport have come in the last four to five years.

"I'm hopeful this problem can be resolved and it's just down to the holiday season.

"However, whether everyone is on holiday or not is a difficult one. I can't describe just how frustrating this problem has been."

Newport's first and only pre-season game was against Shawbury United, which they lost 2-0.

But last weekend only three players were available for the club's cancelled match against Childs Ercall.

And manager Shaun Ingram believes it's now down to the players to fight for Newport's existence.

He said: "I hope that our players' commitment levels improve. Last Saturday three players were available to play against Childs Ercall.

"I had to cancel the game to give our opponents the opportunity to find another fixture.

"I've told the players: I'll see how many of them turn up for Saturday's home against Penncroft and then Tuesday's against Eccleshall at Lilleshall.

"It's up to the players to decide if they want the club to continue to exist or not.

"Phil and I are going to try to keep Newport going over the next few weeks.

"If the players are turning up for training and matches over the next few weeks then we will be fine.

"Phil and I expect the boys to commit to matches and training."