NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn is aiming to complete contract negotiations with Frank Nouble, Ben Tozer and Joss Labadie as quickly as possible so he can concentrate on bringing in new recruits.

County yesterday announced that they had released five members of the squad and that talks were still ongoing with Nouble, Tozer and injured captain Labadie.

Strikers Paul Hayes and Marlon Jackson have been released along with defenders Calaum Jahraldo-Martin and Jamie Turley.

Veteran goalkeeper James Bittner has also been told his playing contract will not be renewed, although he could stay on in a coaching role.

Asked about talks with Nouble, Tozer (below) and Labadie, Flynn said: “I want to get them done so I can see where we are and what I can bring in.

“I’m meeting a few of them on Friday and I should know more at the end of the week.”

South Wales Argus:

On the quintet who are departing this summer, the Exiles boss added: “They’re all difficult decisions because it’s people’s careers and futures you’re dealing with.

“It’s never a nice conversation to have but I’ve got to do what’s best for the club and try to improve the squad.

“They all thanked me for giving them a chance and I thanked them for their efforts while they were at the club.”

Reacting to the news on Twitter, 34-year-old Hayes (below) said: “It was short but sweet. I enjoyed every minute at Newport County.

“Manager, players, chairman and fans have made me feel really welcome and I thank you for that.

“I wish you all the best of luck for the future.

“On to my new chapter in my career.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn explained that Hayes’ age and family situation meant that a new contract did not make sense, while injuries have been the major issue for Jackson and Jahraldo-Martin.

“Paul lives far away and he’s at the wrong end of his career to move down here and leave his family behind,” he said.

“Marlon is a great guy to have around the place and he’s not given me any trouble at all but he’s been very unfortunate with injuries and he needs to get over that and play regularly.

“Calaum had a horrendous injury and he couldn’t get in ahead of Dan Butler, who was the player of the season. He needs to go out and play at his age.”

Centre-back Turley’s release was no surprise after his season-long loan at surprise National League promotion contenders Boreham Wood.

“I spoke to Jamie and there are no hard feelings there,” added Flynn.

“I told him that he’s done well this season and put himself back in the shop window, which is what he wanted to do when he went on loan.”

South Wales Argus:

Reserve goalkeeper Bittner (above left with Lennie Lawrence) has made just four appearances in two seasons and Flynn will look to bring in a younger deputy for Joe Day.

But he would like the 36-year-old to remain as goalkeeper coach.

“Bitts could still be registered as a number three on a non-contract basis but I’ve told him I want him to concentrate on his coaching because I feel he’s got a lot to offer,” he said. “I’m hopeful that he’ll still be with us next season.”

Flynn currently has 14 players under contract for next season: goalkeeper Joe Day; defenders David Pipe, Dan Butler, Mark O’Brien, Mickey Demetriou, Scot Bennett and Jay Foulston; midfielders Robbie Willmott, Matty Dolan, Tom Owen-Evans, Josh Sheehan and Lamar Reynolds; and strikers Padraig Amond and Momodou Touray.