Keeper Joe’s twin peaks

local council and the Football Association of Wales,” he said.

“We spent our first season in the Hellenic League, across the border, exiled in Moreton-in-Marsh, 85 miles away. We’d travel further to home games than away.

“Eventually we came home but then the FAW launched the League of Wales and invited us to join but we declined on the basis that we were a former Football League club eager to get back.

Exiled

“So we faced more sanctions and this time were exiled in Gloucester – only 50 miles away.”

That nomadic period across the border earned them the nickname the ‘Exiles’.

“To cut a long story short, we took the FAW to court for restraint of trade and, after three appearances in the High Court, won our case,” said Hando.

“And now we’re not only back in the line at the weekend but, as a keeper, it is something you enjoy. It is a chance to test myself against the best in the world.

“Aguero has got to be one of the best around and, if he does play, it is going to be a great moment for me.” Football League but looking forward to welcoming Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world, to Rodney Parade.”

It is a home they share with Pro 14 rugby outfit the Dragons as well as Newport RFC, having spent a brief period at nearby Spytty Park where the facilities could not match the ambitions of the club.

“We chose to move in with the rugby club and while it’s not perfect, it is in the centre of town and the pitch is a bit bobbly,” said Hando. “That could work in our favour on Saturday!”

Tomorrow’s David versus Goliath FA Cup fifth-round fixture between the reigning Premier League champions and League Two Newport represents not just reward but vindication for Hando and those who inspired the club’s ‘Second Coming’.

“One of the reasons we didn’t want to play in the League of Wales was because it would have made us ineligible for the FA Cup,” he added.

“Back then, we were in the ninth tier but still had the chance to play in the competition every year. You could say that decision has paid off !”

JOE DAY reckons he is sleeping like a baby – despite newborn twins and the prospect of facing Sergio Aguero tomorrow.The Newport goalkeeper, 28, missed the arrival of daughters Sophia and Emelia last week as they were born while he was COLOURFUL: Wagstaff helping the League Two side beat Middlesbrough.Despite facing Man City next, Day said: “I’ve actually been sleeping really well.“It has been pretty crazy. Lizzie and I have had our hands full, but it’s something we are really enjoying. I’m in the firing THEN AND NOW: A view of Somerton Park, the old home of Newport County, in 1980 and Rodney Parade (below) as it is today SMILES AND MILES: Celebrating the 2-0 win over Boro and (inset) the trips the old Exiles had to make to play HOME games