By Gareth James
Michael Flynn has been named the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month for October – but insists it’s all down to Newport County’s players.
Flynn has taken the Exiles top of the division with three of their six victories secured by winning goals from the 88th minute onwards.
“It’s a reward for all of the players and the staff because I couldn’t do it all on my own,” insisted Flynn. “It’s a good appreciation and shows the togetherness that we’ve got.
“Every win is just as important because you can only get three points but, looking at it over the month, you would have to say that the 3-0 win against Bradford City was the most convincing in October.
“I thought we were very, very good against a good team at a tough place to go. That was very pleasing.
“We’ve installed belief into the players and our philosophy is keep going until the end. We never know when we’re beaten, but I think the way that we’re playing has been fantastic.
“We’re creating a lot of goalscoring opportunities and dominating possession now, which is very pleasing to say because we’re doing it our way.
“We’re playing attractive possession-based football and it’s given our just rewards. The players that have come in have adapted to that really well, and the players that were already here have taken it on board.
“You have different moments in different parts of the season, with the likes of the FA Cup runs, the play-offs at the end of the season and the excitement around the first game of the season.
“But looking at the points total, I think it’s the best we’ve had since I’ve been in charge, 18 points in a month is a fantastic effort and everyone involved with us deserves huge credit for that.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “As a head coach, you need to be able to improve players and get them to buy into your philosophy, inspire them and get them to dig deep to gain rewards.
“As well as playing some great football, Michael Flynn can get his players to truly battle until the final whistle – that’s a combination that has them flying high in Sky Bet League Two.
“With three of their October victories coming inside the final moments, you can never count this team out.”
***Former Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock picked up his 11th Manager of the Month award after seeing Middlesbrough pick up 14 out of a possible 18 points in the Championship last month.
The award for Warnock comes just over a year since he left the Bluebirds after a disappointing start to the campaign. He guided Boro to safety last season.
