THE moment Aaron O’Connor sealed a return to the Football League felt “a million miles away” when Tim Harris returned to Newport County AFC in 1997.

The director of football gave a look to Michael Flynn on the Exiles’ bench when the 2-0 play-off win against Wrexham was sealed – two men who knew all about the club’s dark times.

Harris played for County’s reserve and youth teams as a youngster and then returned as manager when the club had been relegated from the Southern Premier Division.

He left in 2002 but was back in 2010 as director of football and was instrumental in the appointment of Justin Edinburgh.

Harris would be forgiven for enjoying a moment of personal delight at his role in the return to the Football League but thoughts turned to others as he took in the celebrations on the Wembley pitch.

South Wales Argus: Former Newport County director of football Tim HarrisFormer Newport County director of football Tim Harris (Image: Newsquest)

“The trials and tribulations of the club have been well documented and I just thought of those that were no longer with us,” said Harris.

“There were so many that had put so much time and effort into the club that weren’t able to enjoy that moment – I am sure they were looking down with smiles on their faces.

"The club owed a huge gratitude to those that had been part of the journey over those 25 years.

“I came in after the club had got relegated from the Southern Premier Division and getting back in the Football League felt a million miles away.

“It was such a struggle at times so to actually achieve regaining Football League status was a massive achievement and a special moment that will live with me for the rest of my life.”

Harris was next to Edinburgh when he lifted the trophy aloft from the stand at Wembley and he believes it was the ultimate team effort.

“Justin, God bless him, deserves immense praise,” said Harris. “He was a fantastic manager who got the best out of that group of players.

“But he was also given time and an awful lot of support by so many people – everybody pulled in the right direction and what that happens, which unfortunately doesn’t always happen at football clubs, then you can get success.”