NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh is staying with the club and is set for talks over a new contract, the Argus can exclusively reveal.

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

However, following a meeting with the County hierarchy yesterday, 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 top five 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.”