NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has challenged the club’s fans to pack out Rodney Parade as he targets a crowd of more than 5,000 for tomorrow's home clash with League Two leaders Exeter City.
County have hit that target once already this season in the league, with 5,048 in attendance for the 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle on August 17.
That figure was boosted by more than 1,000 visiting fans and Flynn is hoping that Exeter bring a similar number and the home fans also turn out in large numbers on what is expected to be another unseasonably warm day.
“I’m sure Exeter will bring close to 1,000 and it would be really nice to get over 5,000,” said the Exiles boss.
“There’s no rugby on, Wales are playing on Monday [in the Rugby World Cup], so it would be nice to get 5,000.”
Flynn’s men are looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat at Northampton Town and Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Macclesfield Town.
And the manager says everyone is focused on beating Exeter after rumours linking him with a move to Lincoln City dominated the build-up to the last two games.
“The focus is fully on Exeter,” said Flynn. “Everything that has happened over the last week is dealt with.
“I’ve got a clear mind and I back myself, so I’m in a good place.
“And we’ve moved on [as a group]. We’re concentrating on what will be a very tough, but I’m hoping a very exciting, game.”
The Grecians, managed by former Exiles defender Matty Taylor (above), are now the only unbeaten side in the division and they’re three points clear at the top of the table and five ahead of sixth-placed County.
“They’ve had a fantastic start,” said Flynn. “They’ve scored a few late goals and they’ve ground out results as well.
“That shows that they can do the horrible part of it.
“So, fair play to Matty Taylor and Exeter, they’ve had an outstanding start.
“But if we do beat them, we’re only two points behind them. So what does that say about our start?”
Flynn recognises the good job that Taylor has done at St James Park since replacing Paul Tisdale last year.
“He was here as a player when I was a coach and he’s a good lad,” he said. “He’s worked hard for his opportunity and he’s doing a good job.
“They are scoring more goals than us and that’s something that we’re trying to improve,” he added.
“But I couldn’t care if we only scored 46 [in a season] and won every game [1-0] to win promotion, if I’m totally honest.”
Asked if promotion was the aim, Flynn replied: “I want to finish as high as we possibly can and give it a good go.
“People are taking us seriously, and rightly so.The players deserve to be taken seriously."
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