Lennie joins County’s battle for league survival

FORMER Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence has joined Newport County as a first-team management consultant until the end of the season.

The Exiles appointed Michael Flynn as caretaker manager for the remainder of the League Two campaign following the sacking of Graham Westley earlier this month.

And Flynn is set to be assisted by exCardiff manager Lawrence in the club’s remaining games of the season as Newport look to preserve their Football League status.

Lawrence said: “I met Michael at the FAW Uefa Pro Licence course and when approached I was delighted to offer some support.

“I have undertaken this type of role on several occasions and will be there for Michael to offer advice and guidance when needed.”

Lawrence has taken charge of more than 1,000 games in the Football League and led the Bluebirds to promotion from Division Two in the 2002/03 campaign.

And Flynn – who has seen his side just suffer one defeat in four games since Westley was axed – believes the appointment of Lawrence can help the Exiles complete the great escape this season, even though they are six points from safety with eight league games left.

Caretaker boss Flynn said: “I’m over the moon that Lennie’s agreed to come on board.

“It’s not only great for the club, it’s excellent for me personally and for my managerial career.

“I’m always learning and if I can’t learn from someone who’s managed more than a 1,000 times in the Football League then I won’t be able to learn from anyone.

“Not only will Lennie be important for my development, he’ll also be helpful to the board as he brings with him a wealth of football knowledge.

“I’m sure having someone like Lennie on board will give the players a massive lift too.

“I also hope that bringing Lennie in will show the fans how committed I am to doing what’s best for the club.”

After the 1-1 midweek draw with play-off hunting Luton, Newport’s task doesn’t get much easier, with a trip to third-placed Portsmouth on Saturday.

And Flynn insisted County must stop the ‘schoolboy’ errors which have plagued them this season.

The Exiles gave away their 17th penalty of the season against The Hatters and saw Mark O’Brien sent off.

Flynn said: “We’ve had plenty of effort, but the schoolboy errors – red cards and penalties – have got to stop. We must stop giving teams an advantage.”