MILESTONE man Dan Butler has warned that Newport County AFC cannot afford to rest on their laurels after a season of progress at Rodney Parade.

Butler captained the side as he made his 100th appearance for County in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Carlisle United.

That point sealed a top-half finish for the Exiles, who have improved from 22nd in the previous two seasons to 11th in League Two this campaign.

Butler believes that represents a successful season but he does not want the club’s upward trajectory to stall in mid-table.

The 23-year-old signed a new one-year contract last month and he’s already looking ahead to the 2018-2019 campaign and targeting promotion.

County were in contention for the play-offs this season after climbing to fifth in the table in January but a run of just one win in 12 league games saw them drop out of contention.

That run followed the club’s progress to the FA Cup fourth round, which eventually ended in defeat to Tottenham Hotspur a replay at Wembley.

“After the end of last season, I could see this happening,” said Butler as he reflected on the 12 months since completing the Great Escape from relegation last May.

“I still think probably the same as every player does in that we could have done better.

“We have to make sure that we do that again next year and get into those play-offs if not promoted this time next year.

“You can easily get carried away in football with things. Either it’s going really bad or it’s going really well,” he added.

“I think if everyone said that we would get 64 points, lose to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley in the FA Cup then they would have taken that.

“We just have to focus now and make sure we don’t sit on this and think we’ve made it. We need to make sure that we work as hard, if not harder, so that next season we are celebrating something.”

South Wales Argus:

Talking to iFollowExiles, fans' player of the year Butler outlined his targets for next season.

“We need to constantly progress,” he said. “In football, if you are not constantly trying to improve then you will get forgotten about and will get figured out.

“That’s football – you need to constantly try to improve. The boys here have got that mindset, we are happy with the season, but like I’ve said already, it could have been better. We’re hoping that it is next year.”

Butler also spoke of his pride at being handed the captain’s armband at Brunton Park as he completed his century of appearances.

“I’m really proud that I have played 100 times for Newport County AFC,” he said.

“I was really happy that the gaffer gave me the armband as well. Mark O’Brien is a great guy and he wanted me to be captain on my 100th game.

“I’m really proud that I got to captain the side. It’s up there with probably one of the best achievements of my career so far. I’m really happy.”