The 2004–05 season was Newport County's first season in the newly formed Conference South. The club finished in 18th place. There were high hopes that County could prosper in the newly formed division, but inconsistent early-season results led to the sacking of Peter Nicholas on 13 September. The County board at the time stated that they didn't want to rush a replacement, but they'd rather get the right man. On 29 September John Cornforth was announced as that man. He inherited a side in 14th place in the table, but as the season went on results just got worse. By the end of February 2005 County were just one place above the relegation zone. With just one game remaining County were still not mathematically safe, but a final-day victory against Maidenhead United was enough to keep them in C