(Photo: Reuters)
By Jonny Leighfield
Newport County manager Michael Flynn said he would rather spend any FA Cup prize money on improving the infrastructure of the club as opposed to adding new players to his squad in January.
The Exiles face Cambridge United at Rodney Parade on Sunday, both hoping to secure a place in Monday’s third-round draw and a possible big-money tie against a Premier League team.
Newport received £18,000 from their victory against Walsall in the first round and that total could rise to £45,000 if they win on Sunday, something Flynn wants to use for the club’s long-term prosperity.
“I’m more interested in building a club here, I want to see it go towards a training ground,” said Flynn.
“Unless we get another couple of them [big draws] I don’t think it’ll be enough for a new stadium but it would certainly be a good start on a new training ground, our own training ground which we own.
“It’ll definitely be a step in the right direction of bringing everybody under one roof with the community, the academy and the first team all on the same site.”
Last season Newport lost a second round reply to Plymouth and as a consequence missed out on a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Newport have only featured in the third round of the FA Cup once in the last 32 years and that was two seasons ago when they were beaten by Blackburn Rovers.
Flynn is aware of the implications of a win on Sunday but insists he won’t be thinking about playing FA Cup football in the new year until they have seen off Cambridge.
“The financial side of it for the club would be huge,” Flynn said.
“But for the supporters, they could get the chance of having a great away day.
“It’s almost like winning the lottery if you ever get to play at Old Trafford, Anfield, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, it’s huge.
“But then you’ve got the other teams that you could draw, like the Newcastles who always fill out their stadium and have a big following.
“Trust me, there’s no better feeling than playing in those types of games.
“But we’ve got a tough team in front of us on Sunday and I won’t be thinking about the third round until we beat Cambridge.”
A third round spot is a big prize for lower league clubs, similar to the prizes on offer at highroller casino.
