Cup draw a reward for squad, says Flynn

NEWPORT County boss Michael Flynn has hailed an “amazing draw” as he begins to prepare to welcome Premier League big boys Tottenham Hotspur to Rodney Parade in the FA Cup fourth round.

County will hope against hope for a repeat of Sunday’s stunning 2-1 win over Championship club Leeds United when Spurs come to town over the weekend of January 26 to January 29.

The date is likely to be dictated by live TV coverage and the club says all ticket details and match information will be released next Monday. “I’m over the moon,” Flynn told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s an amazing draw for the club.

“It’s so crucial for the whole club with the finances and it’s a great reward for the players for all their hard work so far.

“It could have been very different; the club could have gone bust [if they’d been relegated last season].

“That’s how close it was and now we’re playing a big side like Tottenham in Newport. It’s exciting times.”

Boyhood Liverpool fan Flynn had been hoping for a trip to Anfield but he’s happy to be at home for the fourth FA Cup match in succession. “I wanted it at home,” he said. “If we couldn’t have had Liverpool away – that was my dream one – then I wanted anybody at home.

“We’ll give it our best shot and make it uncomfortable for them and you never know. It’s what dreams are made of and it’s what the FA Cup is all about.

“The only time I’ve been to Wembley I won, so I don’t really want a replay to go back there, if I’m honest. I want to keep that 100 per cent record!”

Asked about the condition of the playing surface at Rodney Parade, the Exiles boss said: “The pitch is still in good condition.

“I might see if I can arrange a few [extra] rugby games on there the week before to try to put Tottenham out of their stride, but the pitch is OK.”

County have already made around £250,000 from their best cup run since 1979 and if the Spurs game is selected for live TV coverage they would bank another £144,000.