Hayden Mullins is preparing to face Crystal Palace for the first time as Newport County manager when the Eagles’ Under-21 side visits Rodney Parade in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, 10 November.
The fixture is effectively a qualification decider, with Newport guaranteed a place in the knockout stages if they avoid defeat. Palace can still progress, but would need to win a penalty shootout after a draw and then rely on Plymouth suffering a heavy defeat against Swindon.
Mullins has a long-standing connection with Palace. He came through the club’s youth system, made his first-team debut as a teenager under Terry Venables in 1998 and went on to make 257 appearances for the Eagles. He also captained the club for several years.
The Newport boss has spoken warmly about his former side, describing Palace as the club that provided his first opportunity in professional football and one he continues to hold in high regard. However, he will be aiming to preserve Newport’s unbeaten home record this season against a young Palace team.
Mullins also expects a demanding contest from Darren Powell’s side. The Newport manager knows Powell from their playing days together and anticipates that Palace’s youngsters will bring energy and a strong desire to impress as they compete for a place in the senior setup.
