“Stockport were my pre-season pick to win the league, and I’ve not changed that view on the evidence available”
A chat with Ed Bridges from the Newport podcast 1912 Exiles ahead of Saturday’s trip to South Wales
Thursday 23 November 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Salford – Tuesday 28 November, 7.45pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Newport – Saturday 25 November, 3pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Newport supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Ed Bridges from the Newport podcast 1912 Exiles joins us today, ahead of the County derby on Saturday.
Today’s edition of The Scarf My Father Wore is sponsored by Radial Fire and Security. A big thank you to Dan. See below for further details.
Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.
Total distance so far: 46.68 miles
Total steps so far: 83,302
Total raised so far: £997
Total completed streets so far: 24 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
Your tweet at the start of this week tickled me:
So… what pants will you be sticking on for the game on Saturday?
Given the strength of our opponents, just not shitting them with fear before kick-off would be a start. Stockport were my pre-season pick to win the league, and I’ve not changed that view on the evidence available.
You’ve only won one of your last seven in the league. Are any relegation fears starting to creep in?
The feeling is we’ll probably be OK. The fixture list is a bit ‘lumpy’ for us – we had an easy(ish) set of opening games followed by a very tough run including Mansfield and Stockport on consecutive weekends. With players coming back from injury, potentially a bit of money to spend in January on one or two quality additions, and an ability to score goals, we’ll be lower third but clear from the drop zone unless something goes very wrong.
Best and worst players for Newport this season?
The best has easily been Will Evans (aka the Llangedwyn Eusébio). Two years ago he was playing part-time in the Cymru Prem whilst helping out on his family’s dairy farm. Now he’s our top scorer, being linked with moves up the league, and isn’t a million miles away from getting a Wales call-up. That’s quite a journey. There are no ‘worst’ players as they’re all honest pros doing their best under trying circumstances – but the fact we could name a decent XI of players currently in the physio’s room tells its own story about where our problems lie.
What’s your prediction for Saturday then?
Please just don’t hurt us? Genuinely, a defeat seems a racing certainty, so anything in single figures and which doesn’t further crock our injury-ravaged squad would be acceptable.
If we do win on Saturday – thus becoming the first League Two side in history to win 13 consecutive games – where’s the best place to celebrate in Newport?
Head to the Indoor Market to line your stomach – loads of great street food options in beautiful Victorian splendour. And within stumbling distance from there you’ve got Tiny Rebel (for trendy craft beer), Ye Olde Murenger House (if you like mock-Tudor charm, wood panelling and a quiet spot to chat with friends), or Le Pub (if you want to catch a live band).
What’s the fan culture like at Newport?
Muted this season. The tough decision to move from being fan-owned to accepting private investment from former Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was a hard-headed and correct one, but it does feel like we’ve lost a little bit of what made us special. There’s also a disconnect this season between the regulars who expected this to be an extremely tough season and manage to remain sanguine about our patchy form, and the occasionals who misguidedly think we ought to be challenging at the other end despite having the lowest budget and one of the smallest squads.
Best and worst memories as a Newport fan?
In recent times, the best have been in the cup – beating yer Leicesters and yer Middlesbroughs, and giving a game to yer Man Cities and yer Spurses. The worst are further back in the past, but going out of business and having to restart in a pub league whilst playing 80 miles away in Moreton-in-Marsh takes some beating.
We sometimes like to sing, “You’re only here for the County.” How will Newport fans react if we sing that on Saturday?
On the basis of other games this season, 40% of fans will laugh, 40% will be inexplicably angry, and 20% will blame Omar Bogle even if he’s not on the pitch at the time.
You’ve only ever played Middlesbrough in the 2018-19 season in the FA Cup. Was anything made of the occasion, with it being the “Transporter Bridge derby”?
Just a bit! I had a very happy conversation with the When Saturday Comes podcast about whose bridge is better; I’m saying ours, as there’s an RSPB sanctuary not far the other side of it.
Get in touch with Radial Fire and Security
As you know, we like to have a laugh and a joke at The Scarf My Father Wore, but something like fire protection is a serious matter, so we’ll get straight down to business. Radial Fire and Security are a leading commercial fire safety company with over 20 years’ experience, operating throughout the UK, specialising in the supply and service of a variety of different ranges of fire protection equipment. If you’re looking for cover, or simply to obtain some further information, give Dan a call today.
Visit radialfire.co.uk for further details.
DJ Des
After Ed’s tweet above, we’ve got to play “The Pants Song” for you today.
Would you like DJ Des to play a song for your favourite County player, or a friend or family member? Email thescarfmyfatherwore@substack.com with your requests/shoutouts!
Today in SK
🥘 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm - 2pm.
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. 11.30am - 7.30pm.
Taster Thursday at TRUNK (SK7). Three tapas dishes and a glass of sangria for £20 from 5pm. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
Enjoy a taste of India with Curry Thursday at Platform 5 (SK8). £14.45 for a curry, which includes rice, naan bread, poppadoms, mango chutney and a drink. 12pm - 8pm.
🎶 Free jukebox
Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
❓ Quiz night
Cheshire Line Tavern (SK8). 8pm. £3 per person. Cash prizes and vouchers for the winners, runners-up and team finishing second to last. Food available before the quiz, including two meals for £20.
Photo of the day
Plainmoor, Torquay
County fans at Torquay in 2006-07, having made a drunken trip to a fancy dress shop before the game.
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