Dubliner Graham Coughlan relishing Newport’s Cup clash with Manchester United
Newport County manager Graham Coughlan is looking forward to a huge clash with Manchester United
Dubliner Graham Coughan says his Newport County side – which has a very strong Irish influence – will relish the chance to take on Manchester United in the FA Cup next Sunday.
Newport’s reward for a win, after a replay, over non-league side Eastleigh in the last round was a fourth-round draw at home to the Old Trafford club. County’s mood was boosted by a league win last weekend over local rivals Wrexham, which extended their unbeaten run to six matches.
Former Cherry Orchard and Bray Wanderers man Coughan has fellow Dubliners Joey Dunne and Mark O’Brien on his staff while the squad, captained by Wexford native Ryan Delaney, features Irishmen Shane McLoughlin, Harry Charsley and Josh Seberry, though ex-Shelbourne man Seberry is currently out through injury.
“The atmosphere was red-hot, noisy and intense, and it will be the same next weekend,“ Coughlan said of the victory over big-spending Wrexham, their third successive win in all competitions.
“It’s a brilliant tie and great for the football club. They’re one of the biggest teams in the world and have some world-class players in their squad. It’s going to be a great test for us and a great event to look forward to.
"We were good on Saturday and why can’t we keep this going against Manchester United? We’ve just got to keep going and see where it takes us."
