"A great man-manager who creates a fantastic team spirit" - Verdict on Michael Flynn's Newport County AFC reign

Journalist Andrew Penman reported on Newport County AFC throughout Michael Flynn’s managerial reign at Rodney Parade, both for the South Wales Argus and as a freelance reporter...

How would you summarise Michael Flynn’s reign at Newport?

He enjoyed an incredibly successful four-and-a-half years in charge of his hometown club, saving the Exiles from almost certain relegation on the final day of the 2016/17 season before taking them to two play-off finals and numerous money-spinning cup runs.

What stand out as the highlights of his time with the club?

It's hard to beat the 'Great Escape' in 2017 when Flynn took over a County side who looked doomed to return to non-league after a disastrous run under Graham Westley. They were 11 points from safety when he took over – in his first management job – and somehow won seven of the final 12 games, securing survival with a final-day victory over Notts County thanks to Mark O’Brien’s last-gasp winner at Rodney Parade. The two League Two play-off finals at Wembley were ultimately disappointing, but FA Cup victory over Leeds United and Leicester City, a famous draw with Tottenham Hotspur as well as a clash with Premier League champions Manchester City will live long in the memory for fans.

How influential was Lennie Lawrence in his consultancy role at Newport during Flynn’s spell?

Lawrence provided a vital guiding hand and wise head for rookie manager Flynn in the early days of his reign. His experience was crucial in the Great Escape and the club’s upward trajectory over the next few years. Assistant Wayne Hatswell was arguably even more important as Flynn’s right-hand man.

How would you describe the style of football?

It evolved over the years from a fairly direct, high-tempo approach, with a focus on set-pieces, to a much more attractive passing game towards the end of his reign. The situation he found himself in at the start, and the poor playing surface in Newport, dictated the style early on. That changed after the Rodney Parade pitch improved.

What would you say are his strengths and weaknesses as a manager?

Flynn is a great man-manager who creates a fantastic team spirit within the camp and, as well as his tactical nous, he proved himself adept at playing the loan market – landing a host of influential players from higher up the pyramid thanks to his extensive contacts within the game. Despite taking County to two play-off finals, he never quite managed to make the final step and secure promotion. And, despite promising starts, he hasn’t enjoyed the same success further afield at Walsall and Swindon Town so it remains to be seen whether he can achieve his ambitions away from his hometown club. Though he can’t get much closer to Newport than Cheltenham in the lower leagues!

How highly is he regarded by Exiles fans now?

The vast majority of County supporters remember Flynn with great affection after an incredible few years in the history of the club. One or two had a pop at him from the stands when he returned with Walsall, but he was welcomed back like a returning hero when on punditry duty for the cup clash with Manchester United in January and can expect a good reception when Cheltenham head to Rodney Parade.