GOOD luck messages, banners and a Newport County emblem emblazoned across the civic centre tower are on the way this week as the city gets ready to welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to Rodney Parade.

Newport County AFC’s boss Mike Flynn and his players have been training hard for the match as they hope to upset the odds and continue their giant killing ways.

So once again Newport City Council, in partnership with Newport County AFC and Newport Now Business Improvement District, will put up good luck messages at sites around the city in readiness for the club’s big match this weekend.

South Wales Argus:

Visitors to the city will see a host of banners and posters in County colours of amber and black across Newport.

And the club’s logo will be lit up on the clock tower at Newport Civic Centre in the days leading up to the match.

South Wales Argus:

Newport Now, the Business Improvement District (BID) which represents and is funded by more than 400 city centre businesses, provided four-figure funding for the initiative.

BID manager Kevin Ward said: "We partnered with the council and County last year on a similar initiative ahead of the FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur.

"Saturday's match is even bigger and, with the eyes of the football world on Newport, we thought it important for the city centre's businesses to show their support.

"Many of our members are long-standing supporters or sponsors of the club, and a high-profile match like Saturday's brings much-valued trade to BID members - particularly those running bars, cafes, coffee shops and restaurants."

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council who has her Newport County AFC scarf at the ready, is due to attend the match alongside lifelong NCAFC supporters including the mayor Councillor Malcolm Linton and councillors Ray Truman, John Guy, David Mayer and Jane Mudd.

Cllr Wilcox said: “Everyone is anticipating another fantastic display by Newport County as they take on the top Premiership side Manchester City.

“Newport County has done the city proud and we know all our residents, whether football fans or not, will be wishing Mike Flynn and his players all the luck in the world for this high profile match. We are all behind you and again this is another excellent opportunity to show that the city can host big events.”