Colchester United visit Newport County AFC in FA Cup

But the Colchester United boss insists all he will care about is winning when his side visit Newport County AFC in the FA Cup this afternoon.

The U's travel to Rodney Parade, aiming to progress to the second round at their League Two rivals' expense.

It will be Bloomfield's first FA Cup game as a boss and Bloomfield is relishing the opportunity.

Bloomfield said: “We had a few good times in the FA Cup.

“I think Wycombe’s most famous FA Cup year was a year or two before I actually signed there when they got through to the semi-finals.

“I used to like playing in the FA Cup and it’s obviously the most special club competition ever.

“To be able to take part in it for the first time as a head coach is going to be a special moment but all I care about is winning and I’m looking forward to it."

Colchester's trip to play Newport will be their second game at Rodney Parade in the space of a fortnight.

The U's travelled to South Wales to play the Exiles on October 22, with Graham Coughlan's side running out 1-0 winners.

“We know them having played them a couple of weeks ago but they also know us, so it’s a level playing field in that way," said Bloomfield.

“I’ve got massive respect for Joe (Dunne) and Graham Coughlan.

“We know the jobs they’ve done at this level, in the past.

“We know them personally as well as professionally and we respect them fully.

“They’ve got some good players at Newport and we respect the game we had down there a couple of weeks ago.

“We’ve watched their games since we’ve played them and we’re certainly doing our homework and we’re prepared, ready for the game."

Colchester are set to be without Tom Dallison, Kwesi Appiah and Matty Longstaff for the game at Newport.

However, experienced striker John Akinde could return after missing Colchester's last two games due to injury.

Bloomfield added: “John’s back out on the grass so we’re really pleased about that.

“Whether he’s going to be fit for the trip, I don’t know."