Newport's Michael Flynn is League Two manager of the month

County are setting the pace in League Two after taking 18 points from a possible 21 last month.

Flynn’s side beat Mansfield and responded to being edged out 2-1 by second-placed Cambridge with five straight wins against Tranmere, Stevenage, Bradford, Colchester and Harrogate.

Newport’s efforts have led to Flynn being recognised, winning the manager of the month award ahead of Carlisle’s Chris Beech, Cheltenham’s Michael Duff and Exeter’s Matt Taylor.

The boss said: "It’s a reward for all of the players and the staff because I couldn’t do it all on my own. It’s a good appreciation and shows the togetherness that we’ve got.

"Every win is just as important because you can only get three points, but, looking at it over the month, you would have to say that the 3-0 win against Bradford City was the most convincing in October.

DREAM TEAM: Newport County AFC's management team of (left to right) Josh Corbett, Danny Elliott, James Hollmann, Wayne Hatswell, Michael Flynn, Jason Windsor, Tom Gittoes, Mark O'Brien, Lewis Binns, Neil Leek

“I thought we were very, very good against a good team at a tough place to go. That was very pleasing.”

County showed their resilience against Tranmere and Stevenage and then struck late against both Colchester and Harrogate.

Not only are the Exiles flying high, but they are doing it in style with football that is easy on the eye.

"We’ve installed belief into the players and our philosophy is keep going until the end,” said Flynn.

“We never know when we’re beaten, but I think the way that we’re playing has been fantastic.

“We’re creating a lot of goalscoring opportunities and dominating possession now, which is very pleasing to say because we’re doing it our way.

“We’re playing attractive possession-based football and it’s given our just rewards. The players that have come in have adapted to that really well, and the players that were already here have taken it on board.”

Flynn has enjoyed plenty of highlights since taking the helm in 2017 and building a platform for a promotion push has provided another.

"You have different moments in different parts of the season, with the likes of the FA Cup runs, the play-offs at the end of the season and the excitement around the first game of the season,” he said.

“But looking at the points total, I think it’s the best we’ve had since I’ve been in charge – 18 points in a month is a fantastic effort and everyone involved with us deserves huge credit for that."

County midfielder Scott Twine was nominated for the player of the month award but missed out to on-song Cambridge striker Paul Mullin, whose eight goals in October included a double against the Exiles.