League Two: County and community close to Newport boss Michael Flynn’s heart

When the club was staring relegation in the face with 12 games to go in 2017, he stepped in as manager – and stepped up.

“I never would have forgiven myself if didn’t try and the club got relegated,” he admits. They didn’t and ever since it’s been progression from a side and a manager that has offered hope on the field – as well as support off it; mental well-being sessions including players have been available to fans through the lockdown.

It is perhaps why that, as much as there was passion in the stands when 900 County fans were able to watch their side for the first time in a year in the semi-final with Forest Green, there was also a poignancy.

The roar would come later, but as the teams walked out, there was a simple standing ovation that moved some to tears. It appeared to be a thank you, with Flynn keen to repay.

“I know it’s a thing all managers are going to say but I’m telling you now I genuinely mean it because I’ve seen how tough it has been for people of Newport, for local businesses people who’ve lost people, family members, friends, businesses closing,” he said. “I’ve seen how much this hit people and I’ve seen it first-hand and to see them at the game last week it was a special moment. It was like a big let off of steam for everyone.”

Gasps of air followed the dramatic 5-4 victory over two legs, with 4,000 making the trip to Wembley.

But while Flynn gives off the impression of the supporter in the dug out, he is much more than that.

Coaching badges were being studied for when he was still 28, six years before management called. On top of the sports journalism degree obtained while still playing, he is now in the middle of a diploma with the LMA for leadership while also attempting to learn Spanish.

Then there is the self-awareness that saw him reassess how he wanted his side to play during the six-month period before last season’s curtailment and the new campaign.

He wanted more than the up-and-at-em approach that had shocked Premier League sides in the FA Cup and got it. Newport have gone from the side with the lowest pass success in the division (58.4%) to eighth (68.1%). His team make around 100 passes more per game than they did last season.

It has worked, even if Rodney’s Parade surface caused problems to its own side, and it has long helped the surpass the club’s remit for the season to simply stay in the Football League.

Having lost to Tranmere in the final in 2019, Flynn is unlikely to call it a success unless promotion is achieved.

And yet in many ways, in a year where so many people he knows have struggled, he has already succeeded.

“Being from the area, I know too well what it means to the people,” he adds. “If I was the one to be able to get them to League One. There wouldn’t be a prouder man in Newport than me. I guarantee you that.”