Michael Flynn admits his job at Newport is under threat after Oldham drubbing

Posted Sunday, March 01, 2020 by PA

Newport manager Michael Flynn said that he faces a battle to save his job after a 5-0 hammering at Oldham.

Danny Rowe scored twice as the hosts hammered a ragged Exiles side, who have nine goals conceded inside a week.

Rowe grabbed his first when firing through a crowded goalmouth and Zak Dearnley doubled the lead with a neat volley at the end of a sweeping counter-attack.

The visitors had no answer and Rowe dispatched his second, Tom Hamer’s deflected effort and a late strike by Jonny Smith that found the net off the far post rounded off an emphatic win.

The win followed news on Friday that Oldham’s landlords could plunge the club into administration over an unpaid six-figure bill next week.

“It was not good enough and we were second in every department. We were played off the park and didn’t get close to a player,” said Flynn, who made a late change to his side after Jordan Green complained of chest pains, leaving the manager with only four substitutes.

“They could have scored eight and maybe nine, if I am honest. Five-nil was getting off lightly.

“I will take full responsibility for it. I put the team out and it’s all my fault.

“We have a free week now and we have to do something. There are another 12 games left and it’s probably a different 12 games now for me.

“It is three years on and when I first came in I had to make an impression and show I can do the job.

“I have done that and now I have to dig in and try to keep hold of my job. I won’t shy away from it and I have these games to convince the board I should still be here.”

Oldham boss Dino Maamria was delighted to round off a tough week with an emphatic victory.

“It was a very good day for Oldham Athletic, our fans and the 500 who followed us last week at Leyton Orient,” he said.

“Credit must go to the players as it has been a difficult week, not least with the weather and finding a place to train.

“We were outstanding and it’s a ‘well done’ to everyone connected to the club from the ground staff to the coaching staff and office staff to every player.

“We have been very close to a very good performance and it all happened today.

“I had to address the players collectively and I did so early this morning in a group message.

“I got messages overnight and my focus was always on the game. I cannot control anything else and I have to be in control of my team and the performance.

“The players’ application was second to none and they showed desire and togetherness.”