Newport County’s run to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round has been celebrated in a touching poem written by loyal fan Sean Edwards.
Commissioned by The FA, ‘A Cup Run For All’ demonstrates how progression to the latter rounds of the competition, with the odd glamour tie along the way, can galvanise not just a club but a whole community.
And a cross-section of the Newport community were brought together to recite the poem in a rousing video, filmed at iconic landmarks around the city and led by one of the city’s most famous sons; The Damned United star Michael Sheen. The video also features David Hando (Newport County president), Becky Smith (Newport County Ladies goalkeeper) and Alan Edwards (owner of Vacara’s fish and chip shop).
The poem is the latest in a series written by Edwards, a longstanding Newport regular who rose to fame among fellow fans after paying homage to manager Mike Flynn after ‘The Great Escape’ in 2017.
Just eight months later, Flynn masterminded County’s shock third round victory over Leeds United, for which they were rewarded with a home tie against eight-time winners Tottenham Hotspur.
Edwards said: “The bond between Newport’s community and the football club is very special and is something I’ve tried to champion in my poems.
“Having followed the Exiles from the late 80s, I’ve seen this team go from strength to strength and for the world to be watching us in our tie against Tottenham is a dream come true for us all.”
The club are no strangers to support from the local community having been reformed in 1989 by a group of around 400 fans, including Hando. The club received significant financial investment from members of the local community to keep them active, creating a deep bond between the team and its supporters.
This season’s Emirates FA Cup run has been credited with helping sustain the future of the club. Newport County could make up to £247,800 in revenue from The FA’s prize money, broadcast and commercial fees from their fourth round tie. This is on top of over £185,000 already earned having progressed from the first round and being selected for live television coverage twice already.
Sheen said: “This match is what cup football is all about. What a fantastic opportunity for Newport County to pull off a giantkilling. The Cup really can bring the club, the fans and the whole community together.
“I’m thrilled to add my voice to all the others saying ‘Up the County!’”
Andy Ambler, The FA’s director of professional game relations, added: “The Emirates FA Cup is a competition for all, renowned for bringing people and communities together.
“Newport County has a history which is deeply entwined with its fans and the wider city, and it’s evident that reaching this stage of the competition is an achievement that is shared by them all.”
