Newport County manager Hayden Mullins says his side are ready to begin their Sky Bet League Two campaign against Rochdale at Rodney Parade.
Following a busy opening few weeks, Mullins has welcomed a full week on the training ground as the squad prepares for the first league game of the season.
“It’s settling down now, which is good. We’ve got a really good week this week, so hopefully we can see it all come together on Saturday.”
Mullins was pleased with what he saw from his players during Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon, where County pushed the League One side all the way before narrowly losing on penalties.
“We’re not the finished article, but we pushed a good League One side the whole way on Saturday, and they had to be at their limit to beat us.
“We know our areas to improve. We know our strengths, and if we can apply them rightly on weekends and Tuesdays in the league, then hopefully we’ll be in a good place.”
The manager says the aim is to make Rodney Parade a difficult place for visiting teams throughout the season.
“We’ve spoken about what we want to try and do this season, how we’re going to affect oppositions and teams that come to Rodney Parade. It can’t be an easy game for them.
“We need to give energy and a lot of excitement on the pitch, and the fans will come with us.”
Mullins is expecting a tough opening test against Rochdale, who are coming off the back of promotion.
“I don’t think any game in this division is an easy game. Rochdale are still riding a bit of a buzz from promotion and they’ve got a new manager as well.
“It’ll be a tough game, it’ll be a good occasion and hopefully a good atmosphere.”
With three points the target, Mullins is looking forward to his first competitive home game in charge.
“Starting the season with a win will be brilliant for us. It’ll set us up nicely for the game the next week against Bristol.
“It’s what we’re looking for, definitely trying to get the three points.”
