Headline: Newport County’s Hayden Mullins Reflects on FA Cup Journey Ahead of Walsall Match
Manager Hayden Mullins and Newport County are no strangers to the excitement of the FA Cup. Over the past decade, Newport’s memorable runs have included knockout victories over giants like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
As Newport prepares to face fellow League Two side Walsall in their first-round tie this Saturday, Mullins draws from his own experiences in the competition. A former midfielder for Crystal Palace, he understands the unique thrills and challenges the FA Cup presents.
Mullins has fond memories of reaching the Wembley final with Portsmouth in 2010, especially after missing out four years earlier when he was sent off in a league match against Liverpool. “I missed that final against Liverpool. I’d been sent off in the league game against them,” he recalled. Highlighting the managerial foresight of Alan Pardew, Mullins noted, “I was told… no one gets sent-off because if you get a straight red, you’re going to miss the final.”
In the dramatic 2006 final, West Ham faced Liverpool and led 3-2 in stoppage time before a stunning volley from Steven Gerrard forced extra time, ultimately resulting in Liverpool’s victory on penalties. “We were probably a Steven Gerrard kick away from winning it,” Mullins reflected. “He scored one of the best goals. It dropped to him 35 yards out with cramp, and it was one of those finals where we really thought we were going to win it. We were very unlucky.”
Four years after that disappointment, Mullins got another chance to shine in the FA Cup with Portsmouth. In a match against a star-studded Chelsea lineup, including Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, Portsmouth fell short as Drogba’s free-kick secured a 1-0 win. “Those experiences have helped shape Mullins as a manager and continue to influence the culture he is building at Newport,” reflecting on the lessons learned from these past challenges.
Mullins sees parallels between his current Newport side and the successful West Ham squad of his past. “I can see some real similar traits in that West Ham team to what we’re doing,” he noted. He emphasized that the secrets to that success were driven by being dynamic and aggressive, qualities he aims to instill in his current players.
Despite not winning the trophy, Mullins’ passion for the FA Cup has only intensified. “The FA Cup has been a fantastic competition for me personally… It’s a fantastic competition. It can throw up anything so it’s magical,” he said. His fondness for the tournament even influenced his decision to support Tottenham as a child, drawn in by their consistent cup performances.
A reminder of Newport’s rich FA Cup history is evident in their previous encounters. In the 2017-18 season, Newport overcame Walsall in the first round and impressed with a memorable run that saw them face Tottenham at Rodney Parade. After stunning Leeds United in the third round, Newport took a lead against Spurs before Harry Kane’s late equalizer forced a replay at Wembley, where they ultimately lost.
With Walsall again paired with Newport in the first round this year, Mullins aims to replicate that past success. “This club’s got history in the cup,” he remarked. “For any football club, a really good run in the FA Cup is always healthy. We know the revenue it generates and the eyes it puts on the players.”
Mullins recognizes the essential qualities needed for cup success: “You’ve got to be a good side, you’ve got to ride your luck at times and you’ve got to be up for the game.” He anticipates a tough match against a Walsall side that is performing well, but remains optimistic about Newport’s chances of a favorable outcome.
