Michael Flynn: Cardiff move a boost for demoralised Newport

The Exiles have been given the go-ahead to shift their League Two fixtures against Bradford City on Tuesday and Leyton Orient on March 20.

Cardiff City Stadium will be home for those encounters before County return to Rodney Parade for the run-in.

Newport set the pace in the first half of the campaign but head into this weekend’s away game at Colchester outside of the play-offs.

A contributing factor to their slump has been the testing conditions at home that have forced a change from the expansive style that saw them building from the back.

Flynn admitted that his squad’s confidence took a blow from being greeted by sand, mud and the odd patch of grass in Newport.

Cardiff City Stadium

“It's a big boost,” he said about the temporary move to the capital. “Going out and playing on the surface is demoralising because of the way that we want to play.

“It does take away the excuses away from the players as well. There are no excuses playing on a surface like that because it's in perfect condition.

“Mark Jones at the Dragons has been very understanding, so I'd like to thank him and Cardiff and the EFL for allowing it to go ahead.

“It is unforeseen circumstances and they have let common sense rule. They deserve a big thank you from us because the right thing has happened.

“The players have all been talking about it and they are all excited, but I have just dropped in a little reminder that it takes excuses away.”

The EFL’s decision has been labelled as “incredible” by Exeter City boss Matt Taylor, who believes playing 21 games in Newport and two in Cardiff affects the integrity of League Two.

The Grecians played at Rodney Parade last month when they were reduced to nine men in the first half and were only denied a stunning win by a late Dom Telford header.

Promotion rivals Exeter have their own pitch problems and Flynn insists he would have no hesitation in backing the West Country side if they wanted to move some of their fixtures from St James Park.

“I like Matt a lot but playing at Rodney Parade with nine men for that long did them a favour,” said Flynn. “We weren't able to move the ball as quickly as we needed to or have the quality in the final third.

“I understand what he is saying but I'd support it for other clubs and we will only know if this is an advantage after the two games.

“The previous games at Rodney Parade suited the opposition but that was our fault for not doing what we needed to get the three points.

“If Exeter ever need to do it then I'd support them.”

Sam Davies on the run for the Dragons against Leinster

The Exiles return to Newport to host Scunthorpe on March 27 but the pitch will still host match action over that period.

The Dragons have home games over the next three weekends with the visits of Ulster, Glasgow and Edinburgh in the PRO14.

The rugby side then have home fixtures in the Rainbow Cup, or whatever competition is played should South African sides not be able to travel to Europe.

County will welcome Scunthorpe, Bolton, Carlisle, Cambridge, Crawley and Cheltenham to Rodney Parade.