Exiles To Grace Europe Once More

Hi all,

New to FmScout but thought i'd try my hand at writing a Journey through the divisions will my local tam Newport County who were at time playing European football. Qualifying through the 'backdoor' of the Welsh Cup.

This will no doubt be an interesting ride as the club is currently owned by the fans!

1st Post will be tomorrow

There will be regular updates and from time to time i will happily look at players and other teams and update you on there progress.



UP THE EXILES!!!

A mate of mine had a Newport County save years ago and he still updates me on the team to this day haha, good luck with it

2019-11-21 00:32#262963 Griffo : A mate of mine had a Newport County save years ago and he still updates me on the team to this day haha, good luck with it

Haha fair play to him that is dedication! Thanks mate

The 1980s heralded both the brightest and darkest moments in Newport County's history. Len Ashurst was manager from 1978 to 1982, the club's most successful period in its history and under the chairmanship of Richard Ford. In the 1978–79 FA Cup County beat West Ham United 2–1 in round three before losing 1–0 to Colchester United in a fourth round replay. In 1980, promotion was finally achieved from the Football League Fourth Division, the club being only five points from being crowned champions although never being in contention to win the league and never being top. County sealed promotion in the last match of the season with a 4–2 win at high-flying Walsall. Walsall finished second in the league and were also promoted.

The team included a young John Aldridge who later became one of the most prolific goal-scorers in English football history, most famous for helping Liverpool win the First Division title in 1988 and FA Cup in 1989, as well as helping Oxford United win two successive promotions and the Football League Cup.

Also in the promotion-winning team was Tommy Tynan, one of the leading lower-league strikers of his era, who scored the all-important goal that sealed County's promotion.[10] Dave Gwyther completed the trio of prolific goalscorers whilst captain Keith Oakes provided strength in cental defence. Youth team products Steve Lowndes and Nigel Vaughan went on to attain international caps for Wales. This was also the year that County won the Welsh Cup, entitling them to play in the 1980–81 season European Cup Winners' Cup.

The 1980–81 European Cup Winners' Cup turned out to be quite eventful – the first round against Crusaders of Northern Ireland was won 4–0 on aggregate (4–0 at home and 0–0 away). The second round against SK Haugar of Norway was even more convincing: after a 0–0 draw away, the home leg was won 6–0, taking the club into the quarter-finals against Carl Zeiss Jena F.C. of East Germany. Aldridge was injured for both matches against Carl Zeiss Jena, though he was a non-playing substitute in the 2nd leg. The quarter-final away leg was drawn 2–2 with Tommy Tynan scoring both goals, including his equaliser in the 90th minute. However, despite dominating the home leg, Newport lost 1–0 in front of 18,000 fans at Somerton Park, denying them a high-profile semi-final with S.L. Benfica. Carl Zeiss Jena went on to be the eventual cup runners-up, losing the final to Dinamo Tbilisi of the Soviet Union.


In the 1982–83 season Colin Addison, in his second spell as manager, led Newport County to their highest post-war league finish – 4th in the Third Division, just four points behind third-placed Huddersfield Town. Huddersfield were promoted to the Second Division, along with champions Portsmouth and local rivals Cardiff City. County had actually gone top of the table in early April after a 1–0 win over Cardiff in front of 16,052 fans at Somerton Park, but a return of only four points from the last seven games meant County missed out on promotion. County faced First-Division team Everton in the third round of the 1982–83 FA Cup. After a 1–1 draw at Newport, Everton won the replay 2–1.

In 1986 County reached the FA Cup third round under manager Bobby Smith, losing 2–0 to Sunderland. Newport appeared in the Welsh Cup final again in 1987 under manager John Lewis, this time losing 1–0 to Merthyr Tydfil after a replay.

Freefall and bankruptcy
Despite reaching the Welsh Cup final, County were relegated from the Third Division in 1987 and in 1988 finished bottom of the Fourth Division with a mere 25 points, meaning that their 60-season stay in the Football League was over. They failed to finish their first season in the Conference and finally went out of business on 27 February 1989 with debts of £330,000. They were then expelled from the Conference for failing to fulfil their fixtures.

1989 onwards
Reformation and exile

In June 1989 the club was reformed by 400 supporters including David Hando as chairman; later club president. Former manager John Relish was re-appointed team manager and they were elected to the Hellenic League (then four divisions below the Football League). The club's main aim was to regain the Football League status lost in 1988. The club took on the name "Newport A.F.C." and adopted the nickname The Exiles, as a result of having to play home matches for the 1989–90 season at the London Road ground in the north Gloucestershire town of Moreton-in-Marsh, 80 miles (130 km) north-east of Newport. Newport Council considered the new company to be a continuation of the old, and refused it permission to use Somerton Park on the grounds of unpaid rent.

Fast Forward 20 years and we are here...

Well 'that is that then' the final words of Mr Flynn
Newport County's manager has walked after budgets were unable to be agreed with the supporters trust. A lot of panic erupted in the room with the start of pre season tomorrow and the board wanting to have the new man in charge ready for the gruelling season of League 2. Discussions continued late into the night and after a few bottles of red.
It was decided the man that will steer this ship until a more established name could be hired.

Several missed calls and an answer phone message later I was on my way to the training ground. The board of directors all suited and booted as we sit down and talk about the future of the club. negotiations were swift as if im honest i didn't have a clue what i was doing...
I make my way to the club shop decided i was going to be getting involved as much as possible so first thing first lets get a tracksuit!!
I arrived at the training ground hoping the staff would of got thing in motion. How wrong was i there was no staff just ME. I quickly interrupted the teams game of heads and volleys and got them doing circuits around the pitch until i could figure out what i was going to do for the day. YOUTUBE was a saviour!!

After the session i phoned a two friends who are fitness and nutrition trainers and asked if they fancied working with me one day a week until i could get some professionals in or what i would say people that have a clue.
I went home that evening head in the hands as i didn't know what i was going to do. I sat in the chair drained thinking how am i going to get this team ready August. I spent the rest of the evening watching old videos
of legends of the managerial world wondering how i would implement my style but more importantly what tactics..

This wasn't the start I had wanted, driving down towards the training ground i bumped into an old friend who i needed more than ever right now...

'Lennie fancy giving me a helping hand'

Finally some help from someone who knows football Lennie Lawrence. After a discussion with the board about the clubs vision and budgets i can now see why Mr Flynn left!
A team which two seasons ago survived relegation out of the football league on the last day of the season now they want playoffs!! Give me a break...



Looking at the squad it obvious we need some left midfield cover, the rest of the squad looks strong enough to challenge top half. A decision will be soon on Bennett with a few teams interested in his services from league 1.



After looking at the talent at my disposal i think it was pretty obvious if we keep hold of Bennett a diamond 4-4-2 is the way forward. Lennie and I sat down and discussed what was needed to take this club on the right path.
we both agreed the club has to invest in the future talents and hopefully we can uncover some hidden gems that can drag us through the leagues or can sell on for a decent amount to then reinvest. So it was decided young blood

Signings

First signing and one I hope develops is Henk Van Schaik, brought in on a free has great potential and hopefully with that determination can be someone who will climb the leagues with us. Im hoping to send him on loan so he can get game time but we shall see what interest he generates.




The Catalyst loan signing from Leeds Kun, wasn't looking for strikers but when this guy came to my attention as a loan target i couldn't ignore. He will certainly bang goals in given the chance.



Creative force Joe Rankin-Costello has joined on loan for the season from Blackburn. If i was going to play a 4-4-2 diamond i needed a player capable of playing behind the front two and this was the man.



Keanu Marsh Brown has left to join Dunfermline after the player disagreed with my opinion that he needs to do more in training. He was player that i was happy to let go. He was good enough and dint fit into my plans

If a player doesn't want to be here they are more than happy to leave they know where the door is...



After a solid pre season getting the lads fit and some encouraging performances i was feeling satisfied the only thing on my mind at this time was trying to please everyone with game time. With the first game of the season around the corner at home against Mansfield.
I was in the living room with a notepad and pen deliberating who was going to be in my starting XII...I now know why this a cruel business...

An excellent pre-season, typified in a huge victory against Doncaster. Newport's aspirations have certainly been lifted by Flynn, who revolutionised the club in many ways. When Newport were on the very brink of relegation to the National League, who would have thought they could reach the play-off final just a couple years later? You have a tough job on your hands to follow in his footsteps and push on. The squad at your disposal in strong in areas and the recruitment has been tidy. The prospect of having options like Padraig Amond, a proven goalscorer at that level, Jamille Matt and Kun (I won't even attempt to spell his surname) is exciting.

Geez those are some high expectations...

ScottT - He will be Kun throughout makes my life easier - the base is there for a solid season. Thanks for read
Griffo - Your telling me, FA cup 2nd round is going to be challenge nevermind playoffs as a minimum

Awake at the crack of dawn 100's of thoughts going through my head. Was I ready was the biggest question and there would be only one way to find out. Today at 5pm questions will be answered.
I make my way down to the stadium to meet the staff and players, it was a typical welsh day wind and rain! Maybe that was an Oman. I sat the players down for a briefing and 3pm quickly came around.
I had done all i can up to this point it was just whether the players were ready and believed in me...




Well what a hectic month so many games with little recovery time between matches, I can now see why managers age. As i reflect over the current month with a nice glass of red I cant help but think we have dropped points.



Dominating most teams, im confident we can turn those draws into wins. Due to fitness and injuries was able to play my 1st XII once during the August fingers crossed we can get the lads fully fit over the coming months if we are to push on.
The game against Brentford was a chance to play players who were needing fitness and wanted matches it was only 2-0 with 10 minutes to go we had chances, but in the end the quality of a championship club shone thru



POM - Leadbetter was a god down the right hand side lost count the number of times he got into the opposition box. Sadly he picked up an injury against Forest Green so will miss September.

The players I signed Costello after scoring the opening goal of the campaign has struggled, Kun is currently being kept out the side due to fitness and form of Amond and Matt. Hopefully we will see more of them in coming months.
Another busy month ahead for the Exiles hopefully can turn a few of those draws into wins.



currently injury list is a good read. Lets hope that continues

Just noticed pictures are to small to read apologies for that will hopefully sort out for next update!

A decent month, but turning draws into wins will be essential if you wish to satisfy the board's demands at the end of the season. Leadbitter's injury is disappointing after such a fantastic month.

Solid start, something to build from!

I really need to learn that i should try and play my best XII more often, especially in cup games! I once again rested players gave players match time and it almost cost us massively in FLT against Plymouth, but a late winner from Amond got us an important win! It was a solid month with our blip against Macclesfield.
As it was a midweek fixture and they are a team struggling i thought rotation might of been a good idea...clearly not.



Kun had his 1st start against Exeter and it was worth the wait scoring on his debut and getting us the all important 3 points.

There wasn't much we could do us against Swindon the quality they have in that side is frightening at this level former Premier League and Championship. I will be surprised if they don't pull away as the season progresses

Nice to see the team have a clean bill of health with only fringe players currently on the physio table.



POM - Joss Labadie came up with two important goals coming from the bench against Plymouth and Northampton



We've climbed that table and will hopefully continue in the automatic hunt as the season goes on. We got 3 home games this month so I am hoping we the momentum will continue

A good run there. Keep it up and you'll be in and around the automatic places, no doubt about it.

A very good run of results, I truly forgot how brutal the fixtures can be at this level, management of players fitness levels is huge