Newport County will be turning the clock back 35 years against Accrington Stanley on Saturday, August 24, for another crucial League Two clash at Rodney Parade (3pm).
The club will be hosting some of the former Newport AFC team (1989-90) that started the club’s memorable rise back to the Football League with a hospitality special in the Bisley Lounge.
Having been sent into exile following the club’s collapse in 1989, a special meeting at the Lysaght Institute led by the late David Hando and a group of fervent supporters agreed to try and reform the club.
But with Newport Council denying the club use of their old Somerton Park ground following eviction for non-payment of rent and rates, and the FAW denying the club permission to play in Wales, the club was forced to enter the Hellenic League and play their home games at the Gloucestershire ground of Moreton-in-Marsh - 90 miles from Newport.
John Relish was tasked with finding enough players to make up a team who miraculously won the league and cup double in that first season after being backed by a regular Amber Army of 500 travelling fans. It also sparked the club’s amazing comeback to the Football League 25 years later.
“If we had not been successful in that first season then I firmly believe the new club would have folded,’’ declared John Relish.
“After the Lysaght meeting, myself and Graham Rogers, who was my assistant, pulled in a few favours and signed players who would have normally played across the bridge in Bristol or Bath or in the Welsh League.
“They were good players for the league we were in, and they all took a pay cut to play for Newport AFC.
“The rest, as they say, is history.’’
Relish and Rogers will be joined as special guests in the Bisley Lounge by members of the team that memorable season, including Tony Gilbert (physio) and players Norman Parselle, Chris Stanton, Mike Pratt, Richie Willis, Rob Painter, Paul Mallender, Barrie Vassallo, Dave Jarvis and Chris Lilygreen.
To join the team and honour the role they played in the club’s history, hospitality bookings are now being taken for the Accrington game.
Guests can secure their place in hospitality for just £60 per person and enjoy fantastic cuisine, premier seating, and exclusive in-lounge entertainment that even includes the chance to meet the first team management and squad after the game.
And if you are already a season ticket holder, you can upgrade for a discounted price of £35 per person. Individual match ticket purchasers are also able to upgrade by emailing hospitality@newport-county.co.uk.
To book, please click HERE and confirm online.
The Bisley Lounge hospitality experience includes:
• Premium stadium seating
• Designated matchday host
• Post-match visit from the management & players *
• Past and present player appearances *
• Two-course meal
• Designated pay bar
• Complimentary half-time tea and coffee
• Exclusive lounge access
• Souvenir Newport County lanyard
• In-lounge competitions *
• Complimentary matchday team sheet
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Free Parking options *
(* Subject to change / availability)
* There is a further 10% off for under-16s.
To book, please click HERE and confirm online. Queries can be sent to hospitality@newport-county.co.uk.