NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh is staying with the club and is set for a new contract.

Edinburgh was the bookies’ favourite for the vacant managerial role at Gillingham and has been strongly linked with the League One club for a fortnight.

However, following a meeting with the County hierarchy on Wednesday, Edinburgh has opted to stay at Rodney Parade and is set for a contract extension.

And the ex-Rushden boss, who has taken County from the Conference relegation places to the close to the top of League Two, admits he’s had a difficult few weeks.

“The speculation has been there and it’s been tough for me, I can’t pretend it wasn’t a situation that potentially interested me,” he said.

“But the club have always been good to me and I do feel I owe them some loyalty as well.

“I had one or two questions and they have been answered by Howard Greenhaf and I am pleased to end the speculation because I have enormous affection for Newport County.

“Hopefully now everyone can focus on Northampton on Saturday.”

It is understood that Edinburgh had been made aware of potential interest from Gillingham and the club had been braced for an approach.

However, a meeting that underlined plans for the remainder of the campaign and next season has seemingly convinced Edinburgh that he can achieve his immediate ambitions by remaining at the Exiles, having already become the ninth longest serving manager in English football.

“I do have the club in my heart now and to keep progressing would mean a lot to me,” Edinburgh said.

“We believe we can continue to progress the club and that is the most important thing.”

Director Howard Greenhaf was delighted to see Edinburgh finally end the speculation.

“We’ve been confident on the situation but were still hoping the phone didn’t ring,” he said.

“Now it’s about focusing on the rest of the season and what is ahead for us, because we’re planning for what we hope will be more progress, on and off the field.”

It is understood that an agreement on a new deal for Edinburgh is close and that County are expecting to make an announcement next week with plans now underway to boost the playing squad before the transfer deadline February 2.

County midfielder Mike Flynn believes it’s a huge boost for the club that Edinburgh is staying on.

“It is great news, it stops all the speculation and the players are all delighted,” he said. Justin is the best manager this club has ever had.”