Newport County boss expects big battle for number one shirt

After the departure of long-standing first choice Joe Day to near neighbours Cardiff City, County fans will have to get used to a new face between the sticks for the first time since 2014.

Nick Townsend, who was Day’s deputy last season, has been joined by new signing Tom King and Flynn wants the two to spur each other on once Townsend recovers from a bicep injury.

“They’re two different keepers; Tom’s got the frame and the height, Nick’s an outstanding shot-stopper and they’re going to push each other all the way,” said the Exiles boss.

“Nick has been doing that in training and hopefully it brings the best out of both of them."

Former Millwall man King has played in all three of the first-team friendlies so far but he's not guaranteed to be number one.

“I think it’s going to be a really good battle. If Tom thinks he’s going to be number one just because I’ve brought him in and he gets complacent, he’ll be sat next to me. I’ve made that quite clear to him.

“And if Nick is feeling sorry for himself because I’ve brought another keeper in, he’ll be sat next to me.

“Neither of them have done that, but they’re both under no illusions what I expect out of them.”

At the other end of the pitch, Flynn is also excited about the potential of new signing Corey Whitely.

The manager was impressed by the forward’s display in last week’s friendly win over Shrewsbury Town.

“I thought he was the best player on the pitch by a country mile – him and [Josh] Sheehan,” said Flynn.

“They couldn’t get the ball off him, unless they kicked him.

“He’s got stacks of ability; we’ve just got to get him on the ball higher up the pitch because he’s going to cause problems.

“He could play as a striker; he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s clever, he’s got a good touch and he’s a good finisher.

“He’s got all the attributes, it’s just about getting used to timing your runs and playing with you back to goal.”