NEWPORT County legend Mike Flynn isn’t ready to call time on his playing career, even though he’s been appointed as Undy’s new joint player/manager, writes Michael Pearlman.

The veteran midfielder, released by the Exiles last summer and not chosen to continue in his role as academy director, has been seeking a new club, either in a playing or coaching capacity.

However, Flynn, 34, has only had offers from National League and National League North and South sides, admitting he struggled to find the motivation to drop to that level after splitting with his beloved County.

He will now join the Welsh League, Division Two outfit and will continue with his coaching as he plans to gain his UEFA Pro Licence qualification from Newport’s Dragon Park.

Flynn will work alongside current manager and first team coach Laurence Owen as part of a management team that will see long-standing manager Mark Crook move up to the position of director of football.

However, despite relishing a new challenge – not to mention the chance to stay at home and continue to grow his new estate agents venture – Flynn admits he has mixed feelings about giving up being a full time player.

“It’s a good challenge for me, the chance to begin my journey as a manager, it appealed,” Flynn told the Argus.

“I know this is starting at the bottom and there won’t be much DVD analysis of opposition players, but there are things to develop, like dealing with players, tactics, it’s a good grounding for me.

“I had plenty of offers to stay in football as a player, but none of them appealed to me, I lacked the motivation to go and play at that level, I know I can still cut it higher up the pyramid.

“I do have regrets on the way my playing career seems to have ended, because I sacrificed game time and the chance to earn a new contract elsewhere, by sticking with County, because of the academy role. Which I then didn’t get!

“So I never say never. If something came up in the Football League this season, I would have to look very seriously at it.”

However, Flynn is now busily planning for life with Undy. Though he stayed incognito, he scouted his new club in their 5-3 defeat to Newport County earlier in pre-season.

“I know some of the players and obviously I know (director of football and business partner) Crooky (Mark Crook) extremely well,” he said.

“I think this is a good challenge for me, because people will look at it and expect me to make a mark and make a good impact.

“I know Undy are planning to start an academy system and obviously that’s something I’d be keen to get involved with.

“And staying in Newport is a big thing for me as well. It’s my home.”