Pompey at County
Portsmouth managers must quake in fear at the fixture calendar when looking at those matches involving Newport County AFC. For the second league game in succession against County a new manager will be at the helm prior to kick off!
Richie Barker’s reign began and ended prior to a game against Newport County AFC. Those 20 games under Barker resulted in the former Crawley Town manager being relieved of his duties before this weekend’s game at Newport County AFC.
Justin Edinburgh is solely concentrating on ensuring another win at Rodney Parade on Saturday for the County but is sympathetic to the plight of his former playing club ‘It’s a strange decision to see Richie Barker leave at this time, but nothing surprises me in football. I had some great times at Portsmouth and it is a tragedy to see a club with such history in its current plight. There will be no sentiment on Saturday however as we need the points at much as them albeit for differing reasons.’
Edinburgh was delighted to see Ryan Jackson and Ismail Yakubu back in training and both come into contention for Saturday’s game. Lenny Pidgeley also trained with the keepers and a full week’s training could see Pidge back in the fold by the time Chesterfield looms large.
Portsmouth caretaker manager And Awford is without defender Ben Chorley who is suspended whilst Toumani Diagouraga has returned to his parent club Brentford after a loan spell. Midfielder Danny Hollands has been drafted in on an Emergency Loan from Charlton Athletic until the end of the season and could play against colleague Kevin Feely who is also on loan from the Addicks at County!
Tickets are selling well for the game with Portsmouth bringing over 1,000 for the game and the County Choir will be in fine voice no doubt with a great atmosphere expected at Rodney Parade.
Save £2 by purchasing your tickets in advance in person at Rodney Parade ticket office or online at our Tickets section of the website. http://www.newport-county.co.uk/tickets/buy_tickets_online/