Newport warned over favourite Demetriou's return
- Published
Newport County have been warned a familiar face could prove a problem as they face Crewe Alexandra, at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Former skipper Mickey Demetriou left the Welsh club for the Railwaymen in the summer of 2023 after more than six years at Newport.
Demetriou, now 34, still has an affection for Newport, but showed no sentiment as he scored twice against them in a Crewe victory at the Alexandra Stadium in August 2023.
Current Newport defender Matt Baker, who played alongside Demetriou when he joined the Exiles on loan, admitted: “He is one of the best defender scorers in the league. We all know what he can do.”
Demetriou will always be fondly regarded by Newport fans because of his wholehearted commitment, important goals, huge experience and being a champion for the club’s community work.
Wales Under-21s defender Baker said: “He has so much experience and has played a lot of games over a lot of years now.
“When I first came in I was only 19 at the time. He really helped me get used to the environment and how the games are played in League Two.
“Playing next to him definitely helped and I had James Clarke next to me as well, so those two really held me in good stead.”
Demetriou made more than 280 appearances for Newport, featuring in the League Two play off final defeats by Tranmere and Morecambe as well as scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Notts County in 2017, which completed the so-called “Great Escape” from relegation.
His 26 goals in 258 league appearances for Newport included one against Crewe in a 2-1 win for the visitors in March 2018, the Railwaymen's last victory at Rodney Parade.
Demetriou is already off the mark for Crewe this season and has been made captain as he returns to Rodney Parade with his side seeking their fifth consecutive league victory for the first time in 30 years.
Crewe’s squad also includes former Newport striker Omar Bogle. But having been released by the Exiles in the summer, he has made only two substitute appearances in the league and scored a consolation goal in a sole EFL Trophy outing against Blackpool.