NOW WE HAVE TO KEEP IT GOING – FLYNN
NEWPORT manager Michael Flynn has been using last season’s play-off final defeat as a constant incentive for improvement this term.
The Exiles were beaten 1-0 by Tranmere at Wembley thanks to a last-gasp Connor Jennings winner and Flynn won’t let his players forget about it.
And it looks to have been working so far as his side entered the weekend three points behind leaders Crewe with a game in hand.
“I think we’re in a really good position,” said Flynn. “We’ve started well and looked solid. I’d like a few more goals, but I don’t care as long as we’re getting the points on the board.
“From the minute we lost at Wembley (in the play-off final in May) we knew we couldn’t go under the radar this season.
“Teams will want to beat us and see what kind of level they’re at and it’s tough. Nobody takes Newport for granted anymore and that’s good because it shows that we’ve progressed. We’ve had a good start, we’ve just got to keep it going.”
International callups for Danny McNamara, Lewis Collins and Keanu Marsh-Brown saw Flynn successfully apply to have last weekend’s trip to Cheltenham Town postponed.
Now he is expecting his players to return to action with recharged batteries and an edge over their promotion rivals.
“We’re playing 46 league games, the Trophy, the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup and everybody is clamouring for a rest for their players,” added Flynn.
“So I’ve taken an opportunity to rest and recharge my players for the right reasons and it also allows one or two to get closer to full fitness.”