THE League Two fixtures are announced in full today but Newport County AFC already know that they will open their campaign at home to Accrington Stanley.
The Football League and Premier League publish the full fixture list for the 2013/14 season at 9am but County were one of 12 clubs to learn their first opponents.
The Football League announced six special league fixtures to be played on the opening weekend of the season to mark its 125th anniversary.
The matches – two in each division – feature some of the founder members of the world’s first league football competition.
In League Two Accrington, who were one of the founding clubs, will visit County, the Football League’s newest member, at Rodney Parade, the League’s newest ground.
There is no indication that the game will be televised by Sky Sports.
Exiles chief executive Dave Boddy said: “We’re delighted just to be in the Football League, that’s an honour in itself, and to be part of the Football League’s celebrations as well against a club of Accrington Stanley’s history is great.”
Director of football Tim Harris added: “Things just seem to be getting better and better for the club at the moment.
“We had the draw against Brighton in the League Cup, which is a great game for us, and now we have been given the opportunity to be part of the Football League’s 125th anniversary celebrations as well.
“To be playing a historic club like Accrington Stanley, one of the founder members of the Football League, first up is fantastic.
“We are delighted and everyone at the club is pleased to be a part of the celebrations.
“It’s seems since Aaron O’Connor’s shot hit the back of the net at Wembley it’s been non-stop good news and an unbelievable roller-coaster ride for all the fans and everyone connected with the club.
“The pitch is looking superb, the squad is coming together and all the pre-season friendlies are in place.
“Now we know our first two matches of the season against Accrington and Brighton and we can’t wait to find out the rest of our fixtures.”
Harris is also hopeful that he and manager Justin Edinburgh will be able to put the finishing touches to another new signing this week.
“Justin and myself have been working very hard over the last six weeks and we hope to conclude at least one deal by the end of this week,” he said.
Boddy also revealed that the club is hoping to conclude work on the terrace in the Hazell Stand at Rodney Parade in time for the match against Stanley.
“We’ve got to do a bit of work to the terracing in the Hazell Stand to put in a new barrier along the length of the pitch and increase the capacity,” he explained.
“We’re hoping to complete that work by August 3 but if we don’t we’ll have a slightly reduced capacity over there.
“We’ll be looking to have a 7,000 capacity for the opening game of the season.”
On the new pitch, Boddy said: “We’ve put a complete new surface in. We’ve spent £110,000 and there’s also a new drainage and irrigation system as well and it looks phenomenal.”
Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: “Our clubs and their supporters are the heartbeat of the domestic game, giving English league football a breadth and popularity that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. We look forward to celebrating 125 years of incredible matches, unforgettable moments and intense footballing rivalry.”
