Michael Flynn: The Installation of Character

Minute 89. Rodney Parade. Newport County one, Colchester United one.

Having led for 40 minutes thanks to Scott Twine’s wonder-strike, Newport had all but certainly lost two points, with Colchester gaining one. Jevani Brown levelled it late against the run of play after Nick Townsend’s fumble.

After Townsend made the error, his own Black and Amber pack picked themselves up to go again.

Newport charged down to the Colchester end, and won a corner with the watching press-box and iFollow crowd on the edge of their seats.

Matty Dolan, who’d again had a stormer in his quarterback role, made his way to take the set-piece on the left-hand side.

He whipped in a delightful cross, finding the head of Mickey Demetriou who’s headed effort was bundled away. The deflection found it’s way to Padraig Amond who tucked home his third goal of the season, sending Michael Flynn and his staff into raptures.

“The way it went, with the chances we missed – you start thinking maybe it wasn’t to be.” Said Flynn.

“But that is a sign of a good team. We’ve got the togetherness – somebody makes a mistake, and their teammates are there to help them out and dig them out of the hole.”

But it’s not the first time that Flynn’s men have fought with this grit and determination to grind out deserved results.

Echoes of his own character come from Flynn’s Newport story, instilled in his players’ mentality.

During a long playing career, featuring four separate spells with the ‘Port, Flynn completed his UEFA Pro License at the same time as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

He continued to be registered as a player during this time, even making an appearance as recently at 2017, as a second-half substitute against Hartlepool alongside four others in the same year as he first took charge of the club.

But before this, he’d had spells as an academy manager, club ambassador, marketing manager, first-team coach, Football and Business development director, and caretaker manager.

It was in his spell in the latter role that he would first make a name for himself as a boss. Despite his wife encouraging him not to take the job, he steered Newport from doomed relegation after the Exiles were 11 points from safety.

He was swiftly appointed by the board of directors on a permanent basis, with Chairman of Operations Gavin Foxall delighted to appoint the Welshman.

“Michael has made the decision to appoint him on a permanent basis an easy one for the Board of Directors. From the outset as Caretaker manager he has performed in an impressive manner in every area. His record and what he has achieved on the pitch in such a short period of time is phenomenal”

Flynn’s impact was gargantuan on and off the pitch at Rodney Parade in the Spring of 2017, and he was also excited for the permanent role.

“I’m delighted to have been named manager of the club.  Nothing makes me prouder than to take charge of my hometown Club.  I made no secret that I wanted this job.  When I took over as Caretaker Manager in March, I said I felt ready for the challenge and that’s still true now because I know this is a challenge.  What we’ve achieved with this group of lads in the last few weeks has been unbelievable but I never want this club to be in that situation again.”

The trajectory has been steadily rising since for the Exiles. The following season brought financial success through the Cups, facing the likes of Leeds United and then Tottenham at Rodney Parade and Wembley. They finished mid-table in the league, but showed character especially on the opening day in a 3-3 draw with Stevenage in his first game as permanent manager.

They left it late at the Lamex with Shawn McCoulsky grabbing a 94th minute equaliser from 3-1 down – and they did the same in the aforementioned Spurs draw and Leeds win in the FA Cup later on that season.

His second season was arguably his best yet as County manager, reaching the playoff final. But they fell victim to a late goal themselves with a 119th minute finish by Connor Jennings breaking Exiles hearts.

Last season they stalled, finishing in lower mid-table, but this year they have started superbly. The form of the goalkeeper Townsend, the back-three of Dolan, Micky Demetriou and Brandon Cooper, skipper Joss Labadie and loanee Scott Twine in particular has been a joy to behold.

So I asked a Newport fan a few questions on Flynn and his impact at the club since arrival, and Caitlin knows better than most about this, having supported the club since their FA Trophy final with York City in 2012.

“Flynn’s main qualities are his togetherness with the players and fans. He understands the club very well financially and wants to achieve as a fan would want. He makes time for everyone and has made such an important impact since arriving at the club.

“I was so relieved the other night when the goal went in, it was nothing less than what we deserved despite missing chances. It made me realise how much it made me miss going every week. The atmosphere at Rodney Parade in the last five minutes would have been bouncing.

“Before the start of the season I was expecting nothing less than a bottom five finish. I’ve been proven totally wrong – we’ve got much better squad depth, and looking much more all-rounded in possession. In previous years we’ve had good starts and dropped off, but this year I can see us getting playoffs at least.”

Michael Flynn’s story is one of hard work, diligence and patience. He bleeds Newport Amber, and his side will continue to be a reflection of this.

Whether they’ll get promoted, who knows? But his character will never, ever be questioned.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt