Roeder: Our journey into the unknown

Glenn Roeder has promised Newcastle will do their “homework” on Latvian side FK Ventspils after drawing them in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.

The Magpies will play in Latvia on August 10, with the return taking place at St James’ Park on August 24.

The draw in Nyon saw Gretna pitted against Derry over two legs, the eircom League side securing their place last night with a 2-0 aggregate success over IFK Gothenburg. Welsh Premier League side Llanelli face Odense, while another Danish side – Start – provide the opposition for eircom League Drogheda.

Newcastle boss Roeder is looking forward to making his first trip to Latvia but insists thorough preparation is needed before the first leg.

He told the club’s website, nufc.co.uk: “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.

“I’ve never been to Latvia before so I’m looking forward to that.”

Roeder will deploy scouts to watch Ventspils, who currently top the Latvian Premier League.

But he will also seek advice from Bristol City boss Gary Johnson. Johnson, a friend of the Magpies chief, was manager of the Latvian national team for a two-year spell until 2001.

“I know that Gary used to be the national manager for Latvia.

“I know him very well and I will be ringing him to see what I can find out about this team.”