COUNTY GET THE BACKING OF ACE THIERRY
NEWPORT County are battling for their EFL status and they have the backing of at least one legend in their fight – Thierry Henry.
The Exiles’ caretaker boss Michael Flynn did his coaching badges alongside Henry at Dragon Park in Newport and the two have stayed in touch.
After the 1-0 midweek victory at Morecambe, which lifted the Welsh side to 23rd in League Two, Flynn received a congratulatory text from the man who banged in 175 Premier League goals for Arsenal.
And the 36-year-old admits the message certainly perked him up.
“I woke up on Wednesday morning to a text off Thierry, which was surreal,” said Flynn. “He said he was really pleased for me, what a great result it was and, if I need anything, just to ask because he’s always there for advice.
“It was unbelievable and something that definitely made me smile a bit more when I had my little boy smacking me round the head at 6.30 after getting in at 4am!
“Thierry’s one of my heroes in the game. He’s just pure class and he’s like that off the pitch as well.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn off people like him, Patrick Vieira, David Ginola and Sol Campbell while doing the course.”
Newport could certainly do with Henry’s goals in their battle against the drop, and Flynn admits he did try to convince the 39year-old to come out of retirement and head to Rodney Parade.
“I said ‘can you put your boots back on?’ In the same sentence, I asked if it was OK to call him in the week,” explained Flynn.
“He texted back ‘yes’ and then must have realised what he had put, because straight away he sent another text back saying yes to the call in the week!
“The supporters have been through enough, I’m not getting their hopes up that Thierry is coming!”