Newport County and Wrexham travel to Wembley today for the Conference play-off final and Colin Addison says he would be delighted if County get back into the League.
Addison, now a director at Edgar Street, had two spells in charge of County before they dropped out of the League in 1988.
"If they get back in the Football League I would be delighted for
everyone concerned at the club, but more than most David Hando," said Addison.
Hando was involved in setting up County some 24 years ago after the original club had gone bust.
"He kept Newport County going. He believed in it.
"It's a credit to him and all those people that stayed behind the club and backed the club."
Two former Hereford United players, Tony James and Bryon Anthony, are expected to start for Newport this afternoon.
The game, which is live on Premier Sports, kicks off at 3pm.