JOSS Labadie believes he has “a lot more to give” to Newport County AFC and he’s confident he can help the club put Wembley heartache behind them and bounce back to win promotion in 2020.

Labadie last week signed a new two-year contract to stay at Rodney Parade, with Exiles boss Michael Flynn revealing that the midfielder had turned down more lucrative offers to commit his future to the club.

Flynn claimed that Labadie felt he had “unfinished business” in Newport and the 28-year-old confirmed that he could have moved on.

“I had a few other offers and I took some time to weigh up my options,” explained Labadie.

“Obviously, Newport took some beating and there was nothing that turned my head enough to go elsewhere.

“I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give at Newport.

“I want to get back to the form I was in in my second season before I got the injury.”

Labadie suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury in March 2018 and initially rejected a new contract last summer before signing a short-term deal in October.

“The club has been great with me [since the injury] and I want to repay them for that,” he said.

“I felt like I was finally getting back to my best at the end of last season, but I’ve got a lot more to give.”

Last season ended in the major disappointment of defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the League Two play-off final and County have lost left-back Dan Butler and goalkeeper Joe Day this summer.

But Labadie is certain that they can challenge for promotion once again.

“It was gutting to lose in the last minute at Wembley but we can’t dwell on that,” he said.

“We have to take the positives. Nobody expected us to get that far and we’ve shown that we can compete with the best teams in this division.

“It won’t be easy but, with the players we’ve brought in this summer and those we’ve retained, I feel like we can go one better this year and win promotion.

“It was sad to see Dan and Joe go but they did really well for us and they’ve been rewarded,” he added.

“They thoroughly deserved their moves and they can be an inspiration for everyone.

“But I’m sure the new boys are more than adequate replacements.

“I played with Dan Leadbitter at Torquay and he’s a great defender. He’s looking really good in training, as are all the new guys.”

Flynn’s men head to Spain today for a four-day warm weather training camp, where they will play a friendly against an Egyptian team.

“Spain will be good for us as a group,” said Labadie. “It will give the new lads a chance to bond with the rest of the squad and the warm weather training will do us all good.

“It’s been pretty warm in Newport for the first few days, but it’ll be even hotter out there.

“Personally, I’m feeling strong,” he added. “I needed a break after a tough season and I’m looking forward to getting a full pre-season under my belt and feeling the positives from that.

“Hopefully I come through without any niggles because I can’t wait for the start of the season.”