Football Season Guide

Michael Flynn remains the most important figure at Newport County and their hopes of another successful season rest with him. There were fears he could be set to leave following the bitter disappointment of losing the League Two play-off final to Morecambe. The Exiles were on the wrong end of two dubious penalty decisions and have suffered Wembley heartbreak in two of the last three years. Flynn knew he would be losing his best player if they missed out on promotion and midfield playmaker Sheehan has signed for Bolton Wanderers. He had already seen the exciting team that made such a fine start to last season broken apart in January, acting as a reminder that relying on loan players can come back to bite you. The departures of full-back Liam Shephard and midfielder Joss Labadie are further blows yet he has begun the process of building another team this summer. The return of goalkeeper Joe Day is a big boost whilst Ed Upson will bring plenty of experience in the middle of the park. The remaining new signings are more of a gamble and further additions are likely. Having seen the benefits and risks of using the loan market, Flynn might prefer permanent signings. The club are on a sound financial footing despite being fan-owned, largely due to successful cup runs and are reaping the rewards of the stability Flynn has brought to Rodney Parade.