Michael Flynn: I’ve had no phone call from Shrewsbury

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2018 by PA

Newport boss Michael Flynn revealed he has had no contact from Shrewsbury about becoming their new manager after his current side returned to winning ways against Northampton.

Flynn has been strongly linked with succeeding John Askey at the New Meadow and remains favourite with the bookmakers to take on the role.

But after goals from Josh Sheehan, Jamille Matt and Padraig Amond downed the Cobblers, Flynn insisted he remains fully committed to the Exiles.

“I’m fully focused on my job at Newport. I’ve had no phone call from Shrewsbury, I’ve not heard anything and I don’t want to fuel any fires as there aren’t any to fuel,” he said.

“If I was favourite for the Shrewsbury job, I’d have thought I’d have heard something by now or been contacted by my agent. I haven’t and I’m committed here.

“I will be in charge against Wrexham in the FA Cup on Saturday.”

Newport deservedly took home the three points against Northampton to record their 10th win of the season and move back into fourth place.

Sheehan opened the scoring before Andy Williams levelled things up from close range. After that, Newport took control as Matt headed home.

There was still time before the break for a third Newport strike as Tyreeq Bakinson put the ball on a plate for Amond and the striker delivered with a superb side-foot finish.

The second half was a quieter affair as Newport managed the game well and Northampton failed to muster a response.
It was a fine way for the hosts to bounce back from a weekend defeat at Cheltenham.

“I thought the players were excellent. It was a very professional performance,” Flynn added.

“Everything Cheltenham did to us at the weekend, we did to Northampton tonight.

“I don’t know how the referee gave a free-kick to Northampton before their goal. I don’t know how you can miss things like that which are right in front of you, but fortunately we got away with it.

“The focus is now on recovering for Wrexham on Saturday. I hope they were watching tonight because I thought we were outstanding. We were brilliant and solid throughout.”

Northampton manager Keith Curle saw his team drop to 17th with this result.

He said: “We need to keep improving. This team must realise where they are.

“Some of our defending was naive at times, but I’m still in love with this football club and I love this job. I’ll turn it around.

“The goals Newport scored saw them be aggressive and show a willingness to get to the ball that we didn’t match.

“The players were willing, but we were lacking in certain areas of the field.

“Newport had a fast start and got the crowd behind them. We got ourselves back to 1-1 but we couldn’t nullify their threats.

“It remains a work in progress here. More work needs to be done.”