Newcastle Step into Unknown

By Nick Raynor
July 28 2006

The draw for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup has been made and Newcastle have drawn Latvian team, FK Ventspils.

The first leg will be away in Latvia, on August 10^th, with the return leg on the 24^th of August at St. James’ Park.

 

Newcastle will be hugely confident that they are going to book their place in the main competition of the UEFA Cup.

 

But Glenn Roeder also insists that caution must be taken as the Magpies take a step into the unknown.

 

Roeder said:

 

“You get what you get when the draw is made in any cup competition, and this is no different.

 

"It's a trip into the unknown for us, but one thing for certain is that we will prepare thoroughly for these two matches.

 

"We will have Ventspils watched between now and playing them so nothing will be left to chance with our preparations.

 

"We obviously need to do our homework and find out about this team as quickly as we can.

 

"In situations like this you get to know as much as you can about the other team and then you reach a stage where you get your own house in order and worry about yourself.

 

"You do that about every game, whether it's Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or a UEFA Cup qualifier.”

 

However, Newcastle have already got one foot in the door, as Bristol City manager Gary Johnson used to manage the Latvian National team.

 

Roeder states that Johnson is a friend of his and he will be contacting him to help in Newcastle’s preparation.