I expect a positive reaction, says Flynn
NEWPORT COUNTY boss Mike Flynn fully expects a reaction from his players when they take to the field against Russell Slade’s Grimsby Town at Rodney Parade this afternoon.
Flynn was scathing in his criticism following last Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at Morecambe which he labelled as “gutless” and “spineless”.
However, having been encouraged with the response in training this week, Flynn is confident they will put things right today against the Mariners.
“Tuesday’s training session was probably the best we’ve had,” he said.
“The tenacity, the effort, the quality, was really pleasing to see. To be honest, I knew I was going to get that because I have a good bunch of players who won’t tolerate the standards shown last Saturday and that’s pleasing for me to see.
“I’ve seen exactly what I expected to see because the boys have been outstanding. I’ve seen them get back up to the standard we set previously and perhaps even a bit further.
“I’ve been honest and said it was the worst performance in my 23 games at this football club but I’m looking forward to the game so I can see the reaction that the players give us.”
That defeat at the Globe Arena saw the Exiles slip out of the play-off places while only goal difference separates them in ninth down to today’s opponents Grimsby, who are 13th and have won four and lost four of their eight games so far.
Flynn will hope to have skipper Joss Labadie and Mark O’Brien available again after injury but could be without Reece Cole (knee) while Marlon Jackson remains side-lined.
County are unbeaten at home this season, with two wins and a draw from their three games and Flynn wants that form to continue.
He said: “Everyone is saying about us making Rodney Parade a fortress and the truth is that we’ve lost one in 12 games there under myself.
“That was against Blackpool who are now in League One and really we could have got something out of that game looking back on it.
“We’ve got a very good record at Rodney Parade and I just hope that we continue to make it a tough place for opposition players to come and play football.”
Former Cardiff City manager Slade says his side are well aware of the twin Newport threat of Padraig Amond and Frank Nouble as he returns to South Wales.
He said: “Amond works extremely hard and can finish. He scored a lot of goals for Grimsby in the Conference.
“He will find it harder in League Two, but he is a threat, there is no doubt about that.
“Frank has had a good start to the season. He is tall, leggy and can go past a player. He can cut inside and beat his man.
“I watched one of his clips and he cut inside to score an extremely good goal.
“He has got a few goals and his confidence his high. If a player has confidence, they can do things to hurt you.
“We will have to be mindful of him tomorrow.”
Former Newport midfielder Mitch Rose could return for Grimsby, but Zak Mills (hamstring) is out.