NEWPORT County AFC manager James Rowberry is relishing a first encounter with club legend Michael Flynn, the man who ensured he could hit the ground running at Rodney Parade.
Flynn makes his return to the city with Walsall in League Two tomorrow afternoon along with right-hand man Wayne Hatswell at the ground where they consistently upset the odds.
The former boss spearheaded the remarkable Great Escape from relegation in 2017 before leading the Exiles on a number of lucrative cup runs.
Flynn came agonisingly close to promotion on two occasions, when beaten in the play-off final in controversial circumstances in 2019 and 2021, before leaving his role last October.
Rowberry left his job as first team coach at Cardiff to take the reins and was able to enjoy a promotion challenge in his first campaign, albeit one that faltered in the final weeks.
That was because of the foundations laid by Flynn, who turned the club from one looking down to looking up.
"I was able to hit the ground running," said the current boss. "It's rare for a manager to take over a team doing okay and it was the previous manager's decision to part ways.
"It was left in a good position where I could move things forward in a direction I though was good for the club along with Wayne at the time.
"We've progressed and moved it in a direction that we see fit. There is n
However, Rowberry, who has had rare radio silence with good friend Hatswell this week, insists the reunion won't be a distraction.
"It's another game and he will say the same thing, it's Newport against Walsall," said the manager.
"He did a terrific job for the football club so I am sure the fans will give him a warm welcome, so will I, and then it's about a game of football."
Flynn signed Matty Dolan in the summer after the Great Escape and then made him club captain last season.
"He was a brilliant manager for this club but this is business," said the midfielder turned defender, who is in his sixth campaign in Newport.
"Football moves on, he was fantastic here but we have another manager who has also done fantastically.
"The hype around this game is natural because it's the first time that he's been back but ask Flynny and Hats and it's just like any other League Two game.
"I am sure Flynny looks back on his time here with fond memories but football moves on and he has gone on to new things.
"I am sure he will get a good reception, which him and Hats deserve, but it will be business as normal. We are professionals and have to deal with it like any other game."
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