SAFETY and fan's enjoyment are the priority for officers policing Newport County’s first game in the football league for 25 years.

Inspector Ian Wikinson will be at today’s historic match more than two decades on from when he first policed meetings at Somerton Park.

Two "spotters" - officers who have been specially selected because of their knowledge and experience of dealing with football crowds - will join him at Rodney Parade.

They are part of a larger team of nine who will take it in turns to attend home games as well as travel to away games this season, providing familiarity and gaining fan’s trust.

Insp Wilkinson said there was a buzz around the Black and Amber’s promotion and it was a great thing for the city and wider Gwent region.

His officers will work closely with Mark Jones, head of operations at Rodney Parade, whose team of stewards take the main responsibility for controlling spectators inside the ground.

Insp Wilkinson said: "It’s very much a partnership, we are here to support Mark and his team and we want people to be safe and to enjoy it here."

There will be an increased police presence in the city centre before, during and after games to deal with any disorder and officers will work with the British Transport Police who will police the railways.

Two days after County won promotion following their 2-0 win over Wrexham at Wembley, Gwent Police were working on a plan to ensure they had the resources in place to plan for the increase of fans, both home and away, they are sure attract going forward.

All opposing teams have been graded green, amber, and red, depending on the number of fans expected so the force can arrange officers accordingly, and ensuring they do not leave other parts of Gwent vulnerable.

For "red" days like derbies against Bristol Rovers, which is expected to draw around 1,100 away supporters, the force will draft in police horses from neighbouring South Wales Police.

They, along with police dogs and handlers, allow the force to control larger crowds more effectively and means they will need fewer officers on the ground.

But Insp Wilkinson insists their inclusion is not to intimidate, but to simply to make sure fans experience the game safely.

He said: “It adds to the bigger league status. If you see a police horse you know it’s a big fixture, we would have never considered them before. We will use the police dogs as well, they are a really good resource, they can greatly reduce the number of officers we need."

Mark Jones believes the close relationship his team has with Gwent Police is the key to ensuring that if there is trouble it is dealt with swiftly.

He said: "We both want the same thing and are both prepared to get over the goal line."

"It’s been a bit of a culture shock for the stewards who are used to dealing with rugby fans, now they are dealing with 1,100 screaming football fans. But what we have tried to do is treat it exactly the same and take a proactive approach."

He, like Gwent Police, wants to ensure that when supporters travel to Newport they enjoy themselves and want to return.

And the partnership seems to be working, as Gwent Police received numerous letters from Hereford fans who visited last season praising officers and grounds staff for an enjoyable experience.