WHEN the then Newport AFC was forced into exile the first time, we agreed to a ground share with Moreton Town, without having seen the ground. Moreton’s Football Secretary, Bill Eldridge, said that we’d better see it, so we visited Moreton-in-Marsh on our way to the Hellenic League AGM at Headington Amateurs ground, where our application to join the Hellenic League, well down the football league pyramid, was to be considered.

Standing in the shed (and I do mean shed), I said to my good friend Ray Taylor, “It’s hardly Wembley, but it’s a beginning!”

Twenty three years on, we’ve made it to Wembley and it’s a great day for the club’s players and the amber army of directors, volunteers and supporters. However, I’d like Newport County AFC, as we are now, to dedicate the occasion to those who would love to be there but are no longer with us.

I’ve lost count of the number of funerals we’ve attended since 1989, but we should remember in particular Ray Taylor and fellow director David Hicks; our first president Brian Tomas; players Brian Preece and Mark Ovendale and numerous supporters such as Reg Parsons, Frank Batterham and Colin Routley, who was also our first general manager.

I’ll be taking Frank’s rattle to Wembley in honour of all our departed fans, whose steadfast support has helped us progress towards Wembley and to one promotion away from the Football League.

David Hando, President, Newport County AFC