A well deserved draw in Wales, despite Walker being called in to action a couple of times to keep County at bay and we enter the replay with both clubs in turmoil. Newport are still waiting for the takeover by Huw Jenkins as they move away from a Supporters Trust model and to an ownership model again, and with the ST unable to put money on the table long term for player wages have a number of players out of contract at the end of December. For Newport whose previous cup run kept them afloat financially, the FA cup will be again relied on to balance the books, adding a frisson to the replay.
For Barnet we have a Radiohead situation in that bookies have added 2 and 2 together and got 5. Brennan is a high performing manager at National League lebel and has links with the current Burton Albion assistant John Dreyer, but he is also under contract and has a strong sense of loyalty and completing the story so I can't see him leaving us at this stage. If he does however, A move to the Brewers is no small beer. While he will leave us in an ale and hearty position if he does go I can imagine the fans will go in to a lager over losing our best manager in years and hops and fears would abound about who would replace him. It would be shandy if he could at least see out the season before moving on.
In terms of team lineup with Stead seemingly unavailable and Hall-Johnson presumably out with concussion the team picks iteslf- which is handy as we may not have a manager tomorrow
--------------------------------Walker-------------------------
----------Collinge-------------Oluwu-----------Okimo-------
-----Cropper--------Hartigan--------Gorman------Kanu---
------------------Brunt-----------------Pritchard-------------
---------------------------Kabamba----------------------------
Subs: Happy, Harry, Hokey, Stretch, Antichrist, Junior, Uneven, Leaf, Gaffer
The only selection dilemma I can see is Potter or Oluwu but Ayres Rock seems to have got over the yips he had on his return and be fully fit so I would prioritise his development over that of a loan signing.
Although this match is on TV which will likely affect attendance I will be at the Hive to support my team. Anyone who can make it please do come along and let's create a special atmosphere.
COYBS!
