For the first time in club history, Newport County will play Newport City at Spytty Park.
This will be County’s second pre-season fixture after they defeated Bristol Manor Farm 3-0 on Saturday following a Lewis Jamieson double and a late goal from Matt Smith.
This fixture will bring many memories for County fans as they travel to their old home.
The Opposition
Last season, the Steelmen finished in 10th place with 37 points but will look to push towards promotion next season having already made a number of big signings. In their final game of the season, City suffered a heavy defeat as they lost 5-0 against league leaders Trefelin. Their final win came two games earlier as they narrowly beat Cardiff Draconians 1-0.
Newport City were formed in 1963 and were originally named Spencer Wokes AFC. Nine years after forming, the club won the Gwent Premier League in consecutive seasons, eventually earning promotion to the Welsh League in 1972.
They remained in the Welsh League for more than 20 years, during which time they renamed themselves Llanwern AFC. In 1993, they won promotion and reached the top division of Welsh football.
The club moved to Spytty Park in 2003, sharing the ground with footballing neighbours Newport County. However, in 2010, the club dropped to Division Three following a league restructure but managed to gain promotion within two seasons.
In 2016, the FAW approved Llanwern AFC’s name change to Newport City, a name they have kept ever since.
The Steelmen have also won silverware in recent years, with former long-serving manager Sam Houldsworth leading them to FAW Trophy success during the 2023-24 season, as well as earning promotion to the Cymru Premier South in the same campaign.
The Manager
A familiar face will be appearing in the dugout at Spytty Park as former County player Robbie Willmott is the current manager of City.
Willmott has managed four games since being appointed at the end of April, but County will be by far his biggest test yet.
During the Englishman’s two spells in South Wales, he featured in 292 competitive games, scoring 29 goals and providing 39 assists.
Willmott was a key player for a number of years as he helped County achieve Football League status, while also creating many memorable moments for Exile fans, including scoring and assisting in the replay victory over Middlesbrough, drawing with Tottenham at home and beating Leeds United and Leicester City.
Willmott also enjoyed a successful career elsewhere, playing more than 100 games for Cambridge United while also featuring for Eastleigh, Woking, Walsall, Exeter City, Luton Town and Weston-super-Mare before ending his playing career at Barry Town.
