Kevin Nolan: 'Newport County pitch quality cannot be used as an excuse'

Kevin Nolan has stressed that Notts County will need to ensure they adapt properly to Newport County's pitch when they play the Exiles on Saturday.

The Rodney Parade turf sees three teams play on it - the football club and two rugby teams - which means plenty of wear and tear, and criticism over its quality.

Despite three quarters of a million pounds being invested into the pitch by the Welsh Rugby Union last summer to improve its drainage, it continues to have issues.

Just last week, Newport's fixture with Forest Green Rovers was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, but Nolan says it cannot be used as an excuse and will want his players to suss the surface out during the warm-up.

“I am not going to be using any pitches as an excuse,” he told the Nottingham Post. “We are both going to be playing on it. We will have 11 men and they will too.

“It’s up to our lads to make sure they get accustomed to it as quickly as possible.

“That’s why you have warm-ups because you find out what footwear is needed, what the pitch is like and where most of the grass is be it on the sides or in the middle.

“That’s what they should be thinking of when they go out there to do the warm-up.”

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.