Newport County new boy Taylor Maloney compared to Alex Gilbey

Charlton Athletic midfielder Maloney became Flynn’s 11th signing of the summer after he agreed a season-long loan deal on Thursday.

And the Exiles boss has compared the 20-year-old to Gilbey, the loan star who he played alongside in the play-off final victory over Wrexham at Wembley six years ago.

“I'm delighted to get the signing of Taylor over the line,” said Flynn.

“It shows the club's contacts are improving, securing a player from Charlton Athletic, especially a player who has been part of the first team's preparations throughout pre-season.

"Taylor is highly rated at Charlton, he's energetic and can create but also does the other side of the game very well, going from box to box and doing the dirty work.

“Part of me sees a little bit of Alex Gilbey in him in terms of his playing style,” he added.

“Gilbey did all my running. He was the young energetic one and I was the old head sitting and protecting and it worked well.

“It was a great signing by Justin [Edinburgh] and he really pushed us on. If Taylor can do that, then great.”

Maloney (above) joined the Addicks at under-14 level and has made great progress within their academy in the last few years, making his senior debut in the 2017-2018 Checkatrade Trophy match at Crawley Town and going on to make 10 first-team appearances.

He also enjoyed a month-long spell at National League South outfit Concord Rangers last season.

After putting pen to paper with the Exiles, Maloney said: "I am really excited to sign for Newport.

"I can’t wait to get started and to play in front of all of the County fans. I’m looking forward to joining the team and proving myself in the EFL.

"I would describe myself as a technical central midfielder with lots of energy and the ability to create goal opportunities."

Flynn expects Maloney to put pressure on senior midfielders Scot Bennett, Matty Dolan, Josh Sheehan and captain Joss Labadie.

“He’s made 10 first-team appearances for Charlton and he’s been with them for the whole of pre-season,” he said.

“He’s highly thought of, he’s very good technically box to box and I think he adds a lot of competition in the midfield.

“He’s young, energetic and he wants to play so he’s going to keep a few of them on their toes and maybe a few of them out of the team.

“He’s an exciting talent but it’s down to him now to get the shirt am keep the shirt. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Flynn says he now wants one more addition before the end of the transfer window on September 2, with the focus on strengthening the front line.

“I want one more in,” he said. “I’m not sure if it’s going to be possible. One or two need to go out the door to freshen things up and hopefully improve.

“We’re not as light there as we have been in previous years but if we can get that final piece of the jigsaw then that will be me done then until January.”

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