I agree Ben, problem is Len hasn't shown much enthusiasm for change lately. You had a great team in 2007 but it's been steadily downhill from there. Shame, as I always looked forward to the visit of Rye in the PL, always felt like a 'big' meeting.
I thought that Newman and Johnno are technically assets of Gary Patchett but has stated that we can have first dibs on them if we want. Could be wrong mind as the more I read on here the more I doubt my own mind. Either way Newman would be a great signing whilst Johnno can go elsewhere for me. Looks like a rider on a downward spiral and last year could always be relied upon to produce a poor ride just when we didn't need him to.
You're right with the second half of your post but Newport have built a promising team for the last 2 seasons and the crowds still haven't come. A succesful season would undoubtedly bring in a few more bodies but it seems pretty unlikely that hordes of Newport fans are busting to get through the gates as soon as there's a winning run.