FORMER Newport County AFC loan star Jake Cain is relishing a reunion with Michael Flynn at League Two rivals Swindon Town this summer.

Cain was brought to Rodney Parade by then-Exiles boss Flynn in August 2021 and went on to make 28 appearances during his loan spell from Liverpool.

Most of those came under Flynn’s successor James Rowberry, but Cain is a big fan of his new manager at Swindon.

“He was a really good guy and a really good man-manager who likes to play good, attacking football,” said the 21-year-old midfielder, who joined Swindon on a two-and-a-half year contract in January.

“I’m really looking forward to it as I think he will add a lot of steel to us with creative football and I can’t wait to get started.”

Newport-born Flynn, who managed his hometown club between 2017 and 2021, and assistant Wayne Hatswell, who hails from Swindon, arrived at the County Ground earlier this month – less than three weeks after being sacked by Walsall.

They replaced Jody Morris, who was dismissed after leading the Robins to a 10th-place finish in the fourth tier.

“We will learn a lot from this year as it’s a young team, but we need a lot of additions with a bit more of experience and steel,” said Cain.

“I think next year will be a really good season for us and its looking promising.

“It took a lot to settle in as I was in and out the team but I just know that I’ve got a lot more to prove and I want to show the fans what I can do.”

Cain scored his first goal for Swindon in their final game of the season against Crawley Town, watched by Flynn after he had been introduced to the crowd before kick-off.

The midfielder lined up a free kick-from 30 yards and saw his powerful shot fly into the top corner, with the goal eventually proving enough to earn Swindon a 2-1 win.

“I’ve had a few testers in the last few games, hitting the bar twice, and as soon as we got the foul in that position, I thought this is me all over,” said Cain.

“I practised a lot in lockdown and mastered my technique in my run-up, scoring a few at Liverpool but it was about taking it into a man’s environment and doing it in front of a crowd.”

Meanwhile, the Exiles have announced their first pre-season friendly under manager Graham Coughlan.

County, who are also celebrating being awarded the EFL Family Excellence Award for 2023 this week, will travel to the Causeway to take on Undy AFC on Saturday, July 8.