Newport County manager David Hughes has voiced strong concerns over the EFL's scheduling of a cup tie just days before the start of the League Two season. Hughes believes this arrangement unfairly exposes his players to a higher risk of injury, especially with no games scheduled for the following week.

Unfair Scheduling

Hughes expressed his frustration after Newport County's 1-1 draw with Notts County in their League Two opener. This match came just four days after a grueling EFL Cup preliminary round against Barnet, which Newport won on penalties. Hughes stated, "I'm not sure that that's the right thing from the EFL to have put that game in on a Tuesday. First game of the season and everyone's looking forward to it, and then you throw that one in on the Tuesday. I don't think that's particularly fair for our players."

Injury Concerns

The EFL introduced a preliminary round this season to accommodate the increased number of Premier League clubs with European commitments. Newport, along with Accrington Stanley, Barnet, and Oldham Athletic, were involved in this round. Hughes emphasized the physical toll on players, saying, "Well the game on Tuesday, when you're working in six weeks, puts players at risk of injury. So we've ended up managing individuals in their best interest based around Tuesday and today to ensure that we keep everybody fit and available."

Performance Highlights

Despite the scheduling challenges, Newport put up a commendable performance against Notts County. After a goalless first half, Ged Garner gave Newport the lead, only for Jodi Jones to equalize from the penalty spot. Hughes praised his team, stating, "I thought to a man everybody was outstanding. The reception the players got at the end of the game was a telling sign of the supporters' feelings on a performance."

Looking Ahead

Hughes remains focused on the season ahead, urging his team to build on their strong start. "Equally it's a really good start, but it's only a start. Let's not get too high when we've had a good performance. We have to follow this up with a really good week's work and another good performance at Crawley next Saturday," he said.

Conclusion

Hughes' critique highlights the ongoing debate over fixture congestion and player welfare in football. As Newport prepares for their next match, the focus will be on maintaining fitness and performance levels amidst a challenging schedule.