GUY Whittingham will be seeking talks with Newport chairman Bill Manuel after being hit with the bombshell news that he is now first team manager at St George's Park.

The former Pompey and Sheffield Wednesday striker had less than 48 hours to digest Tony Mount's decision to stand down before the club went public.

This after Saturday's priceless 1-0 home win over Cambridge City, which heightened their chance of Dr Martens Premier Division survival.

The problem for Whittingham is that he has a possible job offer elsewhere which would not stop him managing Newport, but he requires clarification from Manuel that he could do the two together.

He said: "I've got to sit down with the chairman this week and talk things through.

"I'm surprised Tony's gone this quickly. I thought he might wait until we were safe or even see out the whole season.

"But he obviously feels this is the right time and that shows he has confidence in me, which is good.

"If I get this other job, I shall need to discuss it with the chairman to make sure he is happy. I also need to know that he still thinks I'm the right person to manage Newport and that we share the same ambitions."

Saturday's performance had Mount's hallmark stamped all over it.

Newport were not always the better side, but they showed a passion and desire to win that has been drummed into them by one of the best motivators around.

The two Adams - Holbrook and Barsdell - were outstanding and, fittingly, it was those two who set up Danny Gibbons to rifle home the 38th-minute winner.

Gibbons, who has come on in leaps and bounds since being signed for £4,000 by Mount from Weston-super-Mare two years ago, said afterwards: "A few of the players are gutted about Tony leaving - I know I am. He's a great motivator. He never lets you relax." Mount, who is chewing over an offer to become director of football, will return to work full-time for Manuel's Gemma Group electronics company in Portsmouth.

He felt too emotional to speak much after Saturday's game, but the 44-year-old is keen to spend more time with his three-year-old son, Mason.

He said: "I've been managing for 16 years and I'm looking forward to spending Boxing Day and New Year's Day with my family. I've got a 19-year-old daughter, Stacey, and I think where did all that time go?"

Mount will not only be missed as team boss, but as general manager at St George's Park.

Said Whittingham: "Tony will leave a massive void. He's changed the whole club around, not just on the football field but off it too.

"Everyone here loves the club because Tony has got them involved and made them feel part of it."