Returning Labadie sets his sights on County promotion

JOSS Labadie believes he has rejoined a Newport County side destined for promotion.

The former Exiles captain turned down offers from a host of suitors to rejoin the club on a deal until the end of the season.

Labadie played an integral role in the great escape from relegation in his first season in South Wales, but this time around he reckons they can achieve something special at the other end of the table.

“I think the team can definitely get promoted,” said Labadie, who has been without a club while he recovered from aknee injury.

. “I’ve seen them a couple of times this season. I was at the last game at Bury and they showed great character to fightback from 1-0 down in the firsthalf.

“The manager and the staff here have assembled a really good team and it’s something “I’m really looking forward to being a part of.

“The manager was a big factor, I’ve got a great relationship with him, we were in contact right throughout my rehabilitation and he was great with giving me advice.

“All the boys are pulling in the same direction and it’s an exciting time to be a part of Newport County and I can’t wait to get going now.”

County have become the comeback kings of League Two to maintain their position in the hunt for promotion.

They have come from behind six times to pickup points and have scored three goals deep into injury time to strengthen their position in the playoff places.

But manager Mike Flynn is hoping his side don’t give Morecambe a head start this weekend at Rodney Parade (3pm).

“It’s frustrating because we’re not only giving teams head starts,” he said. “But were giving them added impetus to attack us with more confidence.

“I’m all about positive stats, but a negative one is that we’ve conceded 12 goals in the first 30 minutes and that’s not good enough.

“It’s not something that I want to continue and it’s down to the players when they cross that line to keep their heads.”