MICHAEL Flynn insists that Jazzi Barnum-Bobb did not do enough to deserve a recall to the Newport County AFC starting XI this season, writes Andrew Penman.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that the club and Barnum-Bobb had agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

The 22-year-old made 51 appearances for the club after initially joining on loan from Cardiff City in October 2015 and then swapping the Bluebirds for County in the summer of 2016.

Barnum-Bobb scored three times for the Exiles, including a memorable individual goal against Alfreton Town in last season’s FA Cup run.

But he has made just three appearances under Flynn this season and none after returning from a loan spell at Torquay United last month.

“The bottom line is he didn’t deserve a chance this season,” said the manager.

“I think he needs a fresh start. He went a little bit stale here.

“On his day he’s a decent player but he’s got to find those consistency levels.

“He went to Torquay and that didn’t work out so he needs to go and build himself again and get his confidence back.

“He’s a great lad,” he added. “I’ve got nothing bad to say about him and it’s just unfortunate that it didn’t work out here.

“I wanted to do right for him and give him a chance to go on trial before the end of the season when the rat-race begins.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn believes Barnum-Bobb missed an opportunity to challenge veteran David Pipe for the right-back or right wing-back role this season.

“I think he could have done better and pushed himself more, and I mean that in the nice way,” he said.

“He’s a very good lad. He fits in well and he’s never caused me one bit of trouble.

“But he’s got to take on board what he’s getting told to improve his game.

“I’ve spoken with Jazzi in depth and I’ve told him that I think there are parts of his game he can improve on.

“I’ll always be there with advice for him if he needs it or wants it and hopefully the penny drops.”