EFL scheduling receives criticism from Newport County's Hughes

Newport County's Head Coach Raises Concerns over EFL Cup Scheduling

Newport County's head coach, David Hughes, has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of an EFL Cup match just prior to the league season's kickoff. The match in question was against Notts County, which took place four days before the league season's first fixture.

Hughes believes that there should be an understanding about when matches are scheduled, considering the impact on player preparation and well-being. He is particularly concerned about the tight schedule, as no matches are planned in the week following their cup game.

In the EFL Cup preliminary round, Newport County secured a victory against Barnet, advancing to the next round. Ged Garner scored first for Newport County, and Jodi Jones equalized for Notts County with a penalty kick. Despite a medical emergency causing a delay before the League Two opener, Newport managed to secure a draw.

The new EFL Cup format for this season included 32 clubs: 23 teams that advanced from the second round and 9 Premier League clubs who entered due to their participation in European competitions. Newport County, along with Accrington Stanley, Barnet, and promoted teams Barnet and Oldham Athletic, participated in this new format.

Hughes praised his players for their performance in the League Two opener, stating that they were outstanding. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of consistent performance for Newport County.

The next fixture for Newport County is against Crawley Town. Hughes believes that the scheduling of the EFL Cup match on a Tuesday, just before the league season's first fixture, jeopardizes player safety and questions the fairness of the scheduling. He also raised concerns about the potential risk of injury to players due to the tight schedule.

Despite these concerns, Hughes remains grounded, noting the significance of remaining grounded after what he described as a "really good start" for the season. He believes that it is crucial for Newport County to maintain their focus and continue performing consistently in the upcoming fixtures.