NEWPORT County AFC first team coach Mike Flynn believes the club can beat the drop this season, and insists he couldn’t be happier about being back at his former club.

The Exiles were beaten 3-0 at Mansfield Town on Saturday as new boss John Sheridan saw his honeymoon period finish before it had even begun with County remaining marooned at the bottom of the Football League.

However, it was a good week for Flynn whose return to the club was rubber-stamped, with boss Sheridan adding him to a backroom staff boosted by ex-Cardiff striker Warren Feeney.

Flynn is relishing the fresh start after being rejected by previous boss Terry Butcher for both a coaching and a playing role.

“It’s a great chance for me, to work with a manager like John Sheridan who has had terrific success in Leagues One and Two,” Flynn told the Argus.

“I am delighted, most of all, to be back at the club I love.

“I was devastated to leave completely in the summer, it was very disappointing and hopefully my return gives the fans a bit of a lift, because they know how much it means to me.”

Flynn feels he’s found two kindred spirits in Sheridan and Feeney.

“We are all products of Dragon Park, all did our continental licences there and we see the game similarly,” he explained.

“We all have the same thoughts about team shape and things like that, but I just want to learn and help as much as I can.”

Flynn admits he’s trying to curb his usual enthusiasm.

“I don’t want to annoy the new gaffer! He doesn’t know me well, so I’m trying to listen to his ideas and absorb everything I can,” he said.

“I am not talking quite as much as usual, but some of the lads who know me probably think that’s a good thing!

“I have hit it off very well with Warren Feeney already and I think the three of us will work well together.”

Flynn is confident the Exiles can still avoid the drop, despite their horrendous start.

“It’s certainly not going to be easy, but I do have the belief we can get out of it and I know the gaffer and Warren feel the same way,” he said.

“They wouldn’t have come to the club if they thought it was doomed and nothing could be done.

“I’ve been impressed with the way the manager has approached things, he’s assessing the squad quickly, trying to take a look at everyone.

“I know he wants to bring a few more in and when he does, I think we can get on a run.”

There are as yet no plans for Flynn to dust off his playing boots, but he indicated to the Argus he would be willing, should Sheridan ask the question.

“I will never say never,” the 34-year old commented.