Michael Flynn has urged his Newport County AFC squad to make more ‘unforgettable’ memories as they begin another Emirates FA Cup adventure with an away tie at fellow League Two outfit Grimsby Town tomorrow.
The Exiles have been one of the standout teams in the competition over the past two seasons, facing Premier League heavyweights Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, alongside Championship sides Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
Last season’s victory over the 2016 Premier League Champions was the first time County had beaten top-flight opposition in the competition for 55 years and Flynn wants more memories this time out.
They will first have to get past Grimsby Town tomorrow and then the Second Round to be back in the pot alongside the Premier League sides, but County will head to Lincolnshire with no fear based on their previous exploits.
Flynn affirmed: “I’ve said it enough times in the past, but the FA Cup is a special competition which means a lot to me. It’s provided the club, players, myself and all the fans some unbelievable and unforgettable memories.
“I wouldn’t say the mood is any different before the FA Cup because I’ve got a great bunch of lads who are focused every day. They’ve worked as hard as they can so hopefully, we get the result we want.
“It’s a tricky tie. It’s a long trip, Grimsby have some very good players so it’s going to be a tough one. We’d have preferred it at home, but we’ve gone to Grimsby before and won so hopefully we do that again.
“If we go there and play the best we can then we’ll win the game. That’s not arrogance, it’s confidence in my players. If we don’t then it’s going to be a tough afternoon and we’ll probably come back out of the cup.
“Grimsby started the season very well. They’ve dropped off a little bit, but I know a good few of their players and on their day, they’ll beat anybody, especially at home.
“Very tough afternoon but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s important to progress – you can get experiences you don’t get week in week out. This is a competition that is very, very important.
“I’ll be picking the strongest team I can tomorrow because the rewards you can get are important for the football club.”