Scunthorpe United next up
Here’s hoping for a Happy St. David’s Day in Newport as the County take on promotion chasing Scunthorpe United in what is promising to be an exciting clash with both teams going for victory.
This will be the fourth home game in 12 days for Newport County AFC and it is a good time for the majority of the squad to be fit and available for selection with Fleetwood Town the next visitors on Tuesday after ‘The Iron’ on Saturday.
Justin realises every game at this level is a test. ‘It’s a good and big challenge which myself and the players will relish. The dressing room is united and we will come through this tough period. We will stick together and everybody is up for the Scunthorpe game.’
Former Director of Football Tim Harris takes up the post of Manager at Gloucester City and Justin is grateful for the assistance Tim provided in his time at the County:
‘He allowed me to concentrate on the football, he will be a big loss and he was fully committed to Newport County AFC. No-one is bigger than the club and I have good people around me such as Jimmy Dack and Wayne Hatswell. We will make sure we work hard to continue the progress at Newport and we wish Tim all the best.’
Scunthorpe United have no fresh injury worries with Deon Burton the only absentee. Manager Russ Wilcox can understand the frustrations his opposite number is currently experiencing and is also conscious of the pitch at Rodney Parade as he informed the Scunthorpe Telegraph:
‘By all accounts there are a lot of different elements to the pitch. In some parts it’s mud, others it’s very dry,” said the Iron boss.
“It is a bit of a concern for me regarding the lads who’ve only recently come in, like Paddy Madden and Gary McSheffrey, and have played three games in a week. It would be interesting to see when they last did that.
“That’s not me saying those players won’t play, but it’s something I have to bear in mind.
“On the flip side though, after Saturday we have no game for a week.
“I’m putting a lot of things through my mind and at the moment I’m still a little bit unsure. I’ve got a bit of thinking time yet.”
Given Wilcox’s vocal reaction to criticism from small sections of the Glanford Park on the back of the frustration of the late goal that cost United victory over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, he is sure to have sympathy for his opposite number.
“I’d like to say I’m surprised, but I’m not any more in football,” said the Iron boss, when asked for his opinion about any criticism towards Edinburgh.
“He was touted for a couple of good jobs earlier this season, but that shows how crazy the game is. One moment you can be flavour of the month, but the next month you’re a bitter taste.
“You have to try to stay level through it all and keep the focus and the belief.
“I’ve seen the other side of it since I’ve had this job. The saying is ‘who motivates the motivator?’. Sometimes it can be quite lonely – even though you’ve got great support from your staff there are moments when you’re alone.
“That is when you have to be strong, through those periods. Justin will be fine, if Newport beat us on Saturday, he’ll be back to being flavour of the month. That’s how we have to work.”