CHAMPIONS Newport County can make history tomorrow and boss Dean Holdsworth is urging his men to take their chance to become icons of the club.
The Exiles travel to playoff hopefuls Havant and Waterlooville knowing that victory will see them become the first side to achieve 100 points in a season in the Blue Square South.
The Exiles have lost just twice in 39 league games and having been crowned champions before any other side in Britain (or Europe, counting only major leagues) are now hoping to become record breakers as they prepare for life in the fifth tier of English football.
“We have been dreaming and now we are living the dream, the players have a chance of achieving something that will be remembered at this club forever,” Holdsworth said.
“This would be an achievement for the ages, not just for the new Newport County but the original club as well.
“I have always maintained that the season isn’t over until the final ball is kicked. We want to end the season with 106 points and we believe we can do it.”
Holdsworth believes his squad are reaping the benefits of the stringent fitness regime put in place by coaches Matt Bishop and Fraser Skimming.
“We don’t mention things like Prozone and body fats so much anymore, but it doesn’t mean we don’t still use them, I have stats on every game played this season and we continuously monitor the fitness of the players,” Holdsworth added.
“We are constantly looking at things and it is all credit to the players that they have remained so strong this season.
“We only train part-time, but you wouldn’t know it from some of our performances recently, particularly at Weston on Tuesday.”
Holdsworth lived a nomadic existence in the final stages of his career, including a stint at Havant where he bagged 25 goals in the 2004/5 campaign and he’s relishing the return to his old stomping ground.
“I am looking forward to going back there, I had a great rapport with the fans down there, they are passionate about their team and they’ll want to be the third side to beat us,” he said.
“But we travel with confidence, the players know exactly what is expected and are as keen to push on as I am.”
The Exiles are expecting to be without skipper Gary Warren, who requires groin surgery this summer. He’s unlikely to be asked to push through the pain barrier, though is certain to be keen to start in next Saturday’s title party at home to Dover Athletic.
Dave Gilroy has a hamstring strain, but will no doubt be desperate to continue his fine form, having scored in his last three appearances and his inclusion is more likely than Warren’s.
“Dave has been excellent, he’s giving me real food for thought with the level of his performances,” the manager concluded.
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