NEWPORT County AFC defender Ryan Haynes says manager Michael Flynn’s decision to stay at Rodney Parade has given the whole squad a boost.

Flynn signed a new contract earlier this month, shortly after holding talks with League One club Lincoln City over their vacant manager’s role.

And Haynes hopes the new deal will help the Exiles build on what has been an excellent start to the season.

“I think it’s a confidence-builder for the whole squad,” said the left-back, a summer signing from Shrewsbury Town.

“The manager has done so well here and our form this season has been great.

“When something like that happens [the link with Lincoln], you don’t look into it too much as players.

“You just focus on what’s happening on the pitch, but when it was announced that he was staying it did give us a little boost.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn’s men are fifth in League Two, three points behind leaders Crewe Alexandra with a game in hand, ahead of today’s home clash with Scunthorpe United.

They were not in action last week after the trip to Cheltenham Town was postponed due to international call-ups and Haynes believes the rest will benefit the players.

“It was good to have a weekend off,” said the 24-year-old, who spent his break from football in Rugby.

“It was a surprise; I’ve never really had that before but it was nice to get home and see the family and some friends.

“I live in Rugby, 10 minutes from Coventry, so it’s not too far.

“It was nice to have a couple of days off to let the legs recover, forget about everything, unwind and get a little mental break.

“You feel a lot better in yourself and it’s good for the whole squad. We’ve recovered and we’ve had a full week of training in ready for this weekend."

South Wales Argus:

“I tried not to follow the results last week,” he added. “I tried to forget about everything.

“But it’s not a bad position to be in and it gives us motivation this weekend because if we do get the three points then we’ll be right up for it.”

Not that Haynes is taking anything for granted, despite Scunthorpe arriving in Newport in 22nd place in the table.

“I don’t think there’s any comfortable game in this league,” said the former Coventry City left-back.

“Maybe the table doesn’t reflect them as a team. I think Scunthorpe will be good. It’ll be a very tough test and it’s one that we have to stand up to.

“But if we turn up and carry on the way we’ve been playing then I think we’ll be in with a good chance of getting the three points.”

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