NEW signing Adam Chapman believes that the Rodney Parade crowd can inspire Newport County AFC to three points on their League Two debut.

The Exiles host Accrington Stanley on Saturday in their first Football League fixture since May 1988.

Chapman wasn’t even born then but he’s well aware of what a special occasion the match will be for the County fans.

And he is certain that their support will be a key factor as Justin Edinburgh’s men look to get off to a flying start to the campaign.

“I enjoyed my first game at Rodney Parade against Aston Villa on Sunday,” said the 23-year-old.

“The atmosphere was great and hopefully there will be even more people there this Saturday for what is going to be a massive day for the club.

“The new ground is much better than the old one at Spytty when I was here on loan (in the 2011/12 season).

“It is much more intimate and the fans are so much closer to the pitch, which is great for us and intimidating for the opposition.

“We will also have an advantage over teams who finished at the bottom of League Two last season,” he added.

“We are used to winning and winning is a habit so hopefully we can use that momentum to get off to a great start.”

The Northern Ireland under-21 international played a key part in helping Mansfield Town go up from the Conference with County last season but missed the Stags’ defeat in Newport in February.

When told he could leave parent club Oxford United he opted to return to County rather than remain with Mansfield.

“The manager played a massive part in my decision,” said Chapman.

“Obviously I played under Justin before and when the club was promoted he rang me two days later.

“I was excited by what he had to say and I think I’ve settled in well along with the other new signings.

“Justin likes to play three in midfield and wants us to play at a much higher tempo than I’m used to but I think I’m up to speed now.

“It is a lot of hard work but we work brilliantly as a team.

“Now the first game is nearly here. It is like a light at the end of a tunnel when you are working yourself into the ground in pre-season and all of us can’t wait to get out there and win the first three points.”