JIMMY Dack’s departure as manager marks the end of an era for Newport County AFC.
The Exiles have enjoyed huge success since Justin Edinburgh and his assistant Dack replaced Anthony Hudson in October 2011.
Ahead of Dack’s final game in charge on Saturday, Argus football writer Andrew Penman looks back at the numerous highs and much more infrequent lows of the dynamic duo’s phenomenal four years in Newport.
HIGH POINTS
1. Wembley – 12/05/12
Edinburgh and Dack inherited a squad from Anthony Hudson that was low on confidence and quality.
And, having steered the Exiles clear of relegation back to the Conference South, they then secured the club’s very first trip to Wembley for the FA Trophy final and took 13,000 ecstatic fans along with them.
2. Wembley – 05/05/13
A date that will never be forgotten by any County fan – the day that Edinburgh and Dack guided the Exiles back to the Football League after 25 years.
The goalscoring exploits of Christian Jolley and Aaron O’Connor and a fabulous display by goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley were too much for Wrexham in the Conference play-off final on a glorious day in north London.
3. Accrington Stanley – 03/08/13
Another afternoon that will live long in the memory for the Amber Army as County announced their return to League football in triumphant style.
A crowd of 4,631 lapped up the fun in the sun as goals from Harry Worley, Chris Zebroski (2) and Jolley saw the Exiles sweep past Accrington to top the table.
4. Brighton – 07/08/13
The memorable moments came thick and fast in 2013 as, just four days after stuffing Stanley, Edinburgh and Dack masterminded a shock 3-1 win over Championship Brighton in the Capital One Cup.
Two superb strikes from Danny Crow and another from Conor Washington saw County cause a big shock in extra-time at the wonderful Amex Stadium – a world away from Braintree or Bognor Regis!
5. Portsmouth 10/01/15
The high water mark of Edinburgh and Dack’s time in Newport as Mark Byrne’s solitary goal at Rodney Parade secured a fourth win in five games against the 2008 FA Cup winners.
But more importantly it took the Exiles up to third in League Two and had fans dreaming of automatic promotion to League One.
LOW POINTS
1. Southport – 08/10/11
The Justin and Jimmy era didn’t start off in the best way as a crowd of 1,576 at Spytty Park booed the team off at half-time after falling 3-0 behind.
The Exiles did, however, win 4-1 at eventual champions Fleetwood just three days later – a better sign of what was to come.
2. Wembley – 12/05/12
Yes, it was historic. Yes, it was a ‘great day out’ for the fans; but the game itself was pretty poor and County were flattered by the 2-0 margin of victory for York City.
If only Romone Rose had buried that chance it could have been different.
3. Brighton – 07/08/13
Ecstasy was mixed with agony for County as their fantastic cup win was overshadowed by a horrible injury for hometown hero Byron Anthony.
The defender, captain that night, never fully recovered from his broken leg and was forced to retire earlier this season.
4. Bristol Rovers – 25/01/14
A 3-1 defeat in the howling wind and rain in middle of a run of six games without a win and a succession of home games postponed summed up the disappointing slide down the table at the start of last year.
5. Dagenham – 18/04/15
A fourth successive defeat signalled the end of the play-offs dream and seemingly made up Dack’s mind to leave Newport.
It wasn’t the ending to the Justin and Jimmy story that the County fans wanted but they will get the chance to wish Dack a fond farewell after his final game against Oxford United on Saturday.
Thanks for the memories Jimmy, and Justin.
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