MICHAEL Flynn believes his Newport County AFC side could be the surprise package in League Two this season after two years of battling against relegation.

County finished 22nd in 2016 and they repeated the feat under Flynn in May this year thanks to Mark O’Brien’s dramatic late winner against Notts County on the final day.

The Exiles are amongst the favourites for the drop as they get their new campaign under way at Stevenage tomorrow.

But, after keeping the core of the squad that won seven of the last 12 games and adding six new signing, Flynn is convinced his side will be well clear of the battle to beat the drop this time round.

“A lot of things have to be different this year,” said the Exiles boss.

“I don’t want to be anywhere near where we were last season.

“Let’s be honest, we were hanging on and we were quite fortunate.

“Even though the boys put in tremendous performances to win seven games out of 12, we only needed one draw [rather than a win] in that run and we would have been relegated.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, it was very close – even going into the last minute of the season.

“So I do feel fortunate but I also think that hard work gets its reward and thankfully we’re still in the Football League.

“I think we needed continuity on and off the pitch and I think I’ve managed to do that now with the players I’ve kept.

“And with the new additions I think we’ve improved the quality.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday,” he added. “The season is not going to be decided in August that’s for sure, whether we win four or lose four.

“But as long we’re doing the right things and taking steps in the right direction I’m very confident that we’ll surprise a lot of teams this year and improve a lot on the last two seasons.”

Flynn would not be drawn on the target he has set in consultation with his players but he’s in confident mood ahead of the trip to the Lamex Stadium.

“We’ve got a target that is realistic that we’ve agreed with the players,” he explained.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the players so I don’t want to say we need to be top by Christmas because if we find ourselves in 17th then the season is done, they lose belief and focus.

“We got together and we’ve got a very sensible and achievable goal and if we do it then it will be a great season.

“I’ll keep it behind closed doors but the players know. They helped decide it.

“We’re a group who trust each other, we speak to each other and players can come and talk to me and they know I’ll always be honest with them.”