NEWPORT County AFC have announced changes to two fixtures for the new League Two season.

The home match against Luton Town, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 17, will now be played on Friday, March 16 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The change is to avoid a clash with the Six Nations match between Wales and France taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on the Saturday.

The date for the visit of former Premier League side and FA Cup winners Coventry City to Rodney Parade has also changed.

The Sky Blues’ first trip to Newport for a competitive game since 1961 has been brought forward from Saturday, March 31, to Friday, March 30.

The 3pm kick-off on Good Friday will give Michael Flynn’s men an extra day to recover before they travel to Chesterfield on Easter Monday.

South Wales Argus:

The Coventry fixture will see the return of Dave Boddy (above) to Rodney Parade.

The former County chief executive, who left the club in 2015, has been promoted to the same role at the Ricoh Arena having initially been appointed as their commercial director in February.

He begins his new role at Coventry with immediate effect, and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the club.

Boddy said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this role and excited by the potential and prospects for the coming season under Mark Robins shrewd and dynamic guidance.

“This is a fantastic club, and I have seen at first hand the size of the club and its fanbase when we went to Wembley for the Checkatrade Trophy final.

“As priorities, I will look to develop the commercial opportunities and aim to improve our engagement with community, supporters and all stakeholders in the club."

He added: “While there are obvious challenges which exist, this is a club with huge potential and brilliant supporters.

“I look forward to working with fans, businesses, staff and local stakeholders in my new role."

The Exiles, who sold season ticket number 1,000 today, have also announced that their opening pre-season friendly at Undy AFC on Friday, July 14, will now kick off at 7pm instead of 7.45pm.

The players, including this week’s new signings Lamar Reynolds and Frank Nouble, began pre-season training this morning in preparation for the campaign ahead.