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Michael Flynn aiming for more FA Cup success as Cheltenham Town visit Rotherham United in first round
Michael Flynn says the FA Cup is a competition he “absolutely loves” as he bids to plot an upset at League One Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.
The Cheltenham Town boss has an impressive record, having guided Newport County AFC to the third round twice, the fourth round once and the fifth round for the first time since 1949.
His runs with the Exiles included victories over Leeds United, Leicester City and Middlesbrough and high profile ties against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Flynn also led Walsall to the fourth round in 2022/23 and he is hoping to help his current club embark on a run after first round exits in the past two campaigns.
“The FA Cup is a competition I love,” Flynn said. “I loved it growing up and I’ve had some fantastic memories, with some bad memories in it as well.
“I suppose it’s more about the Champions League now with this generation, but the FA Cup for me is a fantastic competition and I have so many memories as a child and now even as an adult, playing in it and during my managerial career.”
Flynn cites Weston-super-Mare’s first round trip to Bristol Rovers as another example of the FA Cup’s “beauty”, with Robins goalkeeper Max Harris set to play for the National League South side at the Memorial Stadium.
Cheltenham were beaten at home by non-league Alvechurch in the opening round two seasons ago before crashing out 5-1 at AFC Wimbledon last term.
Only once before as an EFL club have they defeated a team from a higher division away from home: Tranmere Rovers in 2011/12.
“We’ll go to Rotherham as underdogs and give it our best shot,” Flynn said. “Steve Evans is a very good and experienced manager, who has been in charge of some big clubs, including Leeds United.
“They have very good players throughout their team, but we are looking to cause an upset.
“We can only do that if we have a very good game and Rotherham have a bit of an off day, but there is no pressure on us and I want us to do well in this competition to bring in some funds for the football club.”
Flynn has seen the impact a successful cup run can have on players’ careers and the infrastructure of clubs as a whole.
“I’ve seen clubs build new training grounds off the back of a good FA Cup run,” he said.
“I have the mentality of knowing how important the FA Cup is and the players will have it too as it’s been instilled in them all week.”
There is £45,000 in prize money for first round winners, along with £15,000 for those knocked out at this stage.
There are no replays in the competition proper, with all ties decided on the day via extra-time and penalties if required.
All six of Cheltenham’s loanees have been cleared to play, but Levi Laing is out with a knee injury.
Owen Evans, Harry Pell and Ryan Haynes are all still out, but goalkeeper Evans has returned to full training.
READ MORE: Rotherham United v Cheltenham Town LIVE: Team news, updates and reaction from FA Cup first round tie
