Newport County boss Michael Flynn is hoping it is his team, rather than his chairman, that takes the points when they open their League Two campaign at Mansfield Town this weekend.
Last season Flynn took his side to Field Mill on a Tuesday night and ended up on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline. That came the week after their FA Cup dreams were finally ended by Spurs following a fifth round replay at Wembley.
“On the grand scale of things there weren’t many low points last season, but going up to Mansfield on a Tuesday night was the worse. We got nothing out of the game and the chairman picked up three points on his licence for speeding,” said Flynn.
“Mansfield are one of the fancied teams for this season, but we will go there full of confidence and I’m sure we will surprise a lot of people this season. We had a great escape in my first season in charge, had a great cup run last season and climbed to mid table.
“Now the target is to get off to a positive start this August – that gives the players and supporters confidence. Then we need to take it game by game because we will have to play around 50 games at our level.”
Pick of Flynn’s eight new signings is former Welsh international midfielder Andrew Crofts, but there have also been some significant departures. Club captain Joss Labardie is a free agent and has left to continue his rehabilitation, while there have also been three resignations from the club’s board of directors.
“I’ve invited Joss around for dinner a few times and he’s down a bit at the moment. He’s doing well with his rehab. I would love to see him back here when he is fully fit, but he’s a free agent and that is down to him,” added Flynn.
“I showed him how much I value him by making him captain last season. He is hard working and great around the other players – that’s why I have a lot for time for him.
“As for the goings on in the board room, they will have no effect on the squad. It is what it is, but what goes on behind the scenes is nothing to do with me.”
Simon Sadler and Neil Collier followed Rob Santwris off the board of directors at Rodney Parade last week, leaving the Supporters Trust, who own the club, low on numbers in the boardroom.
