NEWPORT County AFC are keeping the magic of the FA Cup alive and well, according to manager Michael Flynn.
After beating Leeds United and taking Tottenham Hotspur to a Wembley replay in round four last season, County have gone one better this time round.
Flynn’s men are into round five for the first time since 1949 after thrilling wins over Leicester City and Middlesbrough at Rodney Parade.
And they are now preparing to welcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Newport in front of the BT Sport cameras on February 16.
“It’s a fantastic achievement from the players and it’s going to be a special day for the football club and the whole city against Man City,” said the Exiles boss.
“Anybody who thinks the magic of the FA Cup is gone has only got to take a look at our story.
“Lincoln did it a few years ago when they were non-league, which was a fantastic achievement, and it gives small clubs such a platform to kick-on and to dream.
“It’s not every day you get Pep Guardiola coming to Newport.
“They’re the best team in Europe, I think, so I’m not getting carried away. It’s going to be a very difficult evening.
“But our pitch is not great and it will give them a few problems.
“I’ll make sure there’s three rugby games on it before we play them and we’ll give it our best shot.
“It’s a free shot for us and I’m sure our players will surprise them. If we take the lead, you never know.”
County have now made more than £1.2m from this year’s FA Cup run, but it’s about more than finances to Flynn.
“The money is huge, but I think we’re getting a generation of fans back that was lost when the club went out of business,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic run and it brings everyone together.
“The noise was so loud. It was a special night.”
And it will be another night to remember against City.
“We’ve had Mauricio Pochettino, Claude Puel, Thomas Christiansen, Tony Pulis – they are all fantastic managers but this is the crème de la crème.
“Pep Guardiola is the best in the business."
Read more: Tony Pulis' Parade pitch warning for Pep
Read more: Amond admits there will be sleepless nights before City test
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