NEWPORT COUNTY

LAST SEASON

LEAGUE TWO 7th FA CUP Fifth Round LEAGUE CUP Second Round TOP SCORER Padraig Amond (23) FANFILE

MARTYN PHILLIPS @Exilesanalysis

This season will be different because last season we were underestimated and exceeded expectations; now sides will see us as one of the teams to beat. I won’t be happy unless Mike Flynn signs a 20-year contract!

The one change I’d make to the club would be to have our own stadium, but only due to strain on the pitch – I like Rodney Parade as a ground.

The best thing about the matchday experience at Newport is that it’s raw and pure, no frills!

The one recommendation for away fans is to have a pint of Cwtch at Tiny Rebel bar – local beer and great food. The best away ground is called the Jonny-rocks Stadium in Cheltenham. Our key player will be Padraig Amond again [below]. He can score with both feet and his head, he assists goals, he covers the midfield and the full-backs, and he motivates those around him – he’s a model professional.

Save the date for Orient. For Justin. ❤ The opposition player I secretly admire is Swindon’s Keshi Anderson. Our most underrated player is Scot Bennett, every season. He just goes about his work quietly and effectively, always delivering the goods.

Look out for Momodou Touray – he won the Welsh Premier’s Young Player of the Season award as well as three end-of-season prizes at Barry Town when he was on loan there last year. The best away fans are Swindon’s. Their fans are a good bunch and the players are very honest, in my opinion. The best Exiles social media account is club photographer @nicnacnoopixs. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that he is one of the brightest young managers in the game and already has legendary status at County. Every single player plays for him. He knows what to say and when to say it.

If he left, he should be replaced by Gary Brazil, academy manager at Nottingham Forest – if the club could afford him – or someone young and creative like Kevin Nicholson, formerly Cardiff’s under-23s boss.

We’ll finish in the play-offs – the same as I predicted last year!