Man Utd FA Cup tie rewards Newport fans - Exiles skipper Ryan Delaney
- Published
Ryan Delaney joined Newport County from Morecambe in July 2023
Captain Ryan Delaney says Newport County's FA Cup tie against Manchester United is a reward for loyal fans after the "ups and downs" so far of 2023-24.
The League Two side host the Premier League giants on Sunday, 28 January, in a fourth-round tie estimated £400,000 to the Welsh club.
County won 3-1 at Eastleigh in a third round replay to progress.
"There's been ups and downs this season, but the fans have stuck with us all the way," said Delaney.
"We've got to thank them for that. They travel home and away, there's probably been some games they've come to where we've not we've not been at our best, but they've always stuck by us.
"They really drive us on through adversity. With them sticking with us, it means a lot to us as a group of players and staff that we know that they've got our back."
The Exiles host promotion-chasing Welsh rivals Wrexham in League two on Saturday, 20 January before turning their attention to Man Utd's visit to Rodney Parade.
Delaney said "everyone involved in the club deserves" the Man Utd occasion.
In addition to the game being televised live, County are also erecting a temporary stand behind the North Terrace at their Rodney Parade ground, increasing stadium capacity by 1,000 to 9,000.
Manager Graham Coughlan has revealed his love for United since childhood while fellow Irishman Delaney is also a United fan.
"I've supported United since I was a kid and I think it does bring that excitement. You get a lot of text messages and phone calls from friends and school friends," added Delaney.
"It's an exciting opportunity for us and one we've got to take with both hands.
"It's going to be a good game, a good day for the fans and for us as players. These games don't come around very often.
"It's right up there for us in our careers, these games sometimes can be looked at as the pinnacle of a career. A day out playing against the highest opposition.
"A lot of us supported United so it brings a bit of added stuff. Watching your childhood team and now, on Sunday week, we get to line out against them and play against them and at Rodney Parade".
