NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hopes his decision to release academy graduate Kieran Parselle is one that will be proved wrong in time.

Parselle is one of 11 players to be released by Flynn so far this summer.

The Exiles boss admits that letting the 20-year-old go was one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make.

And he would be very happy to see Parselle, who made seven appearances in League Two as a teenager, go on to enjoy a successful career.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Kieran, he’s a great lad,” said Flynn.

“But he needs to go out and play games and prove himself.

“It’s not fair to keep him here and use him in the reserve games if he’s not going to be part of the first team squad.

“He’s got a great attitude and I’m sure he will make it and play at a decent level.

“And he’s one where I’d be very happy if he comes back to bite me on the bum if it means he does well elsewhere.”

Fellow youngsters Finlay Wood and Liam Angel were also released last week.

“It’s the same for Finlay and Liam,” said Flynn. “I could have kept them but it would have stopped me bringing in a first team player.

“Letting them go is in the best interest of the players and for the club as well.

“I couldn’t see them breaking in to the team at the minute – they’re not ready for where we want to be.

“Finlay also has the chance to get a scholarship in America now and I don’t want to be selfish and deny him that opportunity.”

South Wales Argus:

At the other end of his football career is Darren Jones (above) who has announced his retirement from professional football.

Flynn paid tribute to the Newport-born defender’s contribution to the club’s successful fight against relegation.

“Darren has been great behind the scenes over the past few months,” he said.

“He was always keen to help out on match days even if he wasn’t in the squad and he really bought into what we were trying to do.

“Unfortunately his knee is not up to it at this level anymore and that’s tough for him but he will definitely be a big asset to someone in part-time football.”

Meanwhile, Flynn is looking forward to the challenge of locking horns with near neighbours Forest Green Rovers in League Two next season.

Rovers, based in the small Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth near Stroud, will take on County in League Two after winning promotion via the National League play-off final.

Newport-born striker Christian Doidge scored as they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 in the final at Wembley.

“They deserved it on the day, they were better than Tranmere,” said Flynn.

“You can look at it in two ways from our point of view – it will be tough for us [to compete] because they will have a big budget.

“But it is a nice close trip for the fans. Hopefully we can repeat the result we got the last time we went there.”

Flynn played 90 minutes at the New Lawn on Boxing Day 2012 as goals from Ben Swallow and Ryan Charles sealed a 2-1 win for County.

But Rovers got their revenge with a 5-0 win at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day 2013.