RYAN Haynes looks set to join the growing list of former Newport County AFC stars at League Two rivals Cheltenham Town this summer as new Robins boss Michael Flynn continues his mission to get the old band back together at Whaddon Road.

Newport-born Flynn, who managed his hometown club between 2017 and 2021, is already reportedly close to signing free agents Scot Bennett and Joe Day – both of whom left Rodney Parade this summer.

And he’s also now being linked with a move for left-back Haynes, who was released by Northampton Town at the end of last season.

The 28-year-old played under Flynn during a three-year spell with the Exiles.

Haynes started out in the youth set-up at Coventry City and progressed to the Sky Blues' first team.

He spent time on loan at Cambridge United and made a permanent switch to Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2018.

Haynes joined Northampton after leaving Newport in 2022 and made a total of 38 appearances for the Cobblers.

Cheltenham need several defensive additions this summer, with left wing-backs Will Ferry and Ben Williams both departing.

Left-sided defender Lewis Freestone is close to completing a move to Stevenage, while Curtis Davies and Sean Long have also departed, leaving Tom Bradbury as the only contracted defender in the squad.

Flynn is working closely with newly-appointed Robins director of football Gary Johnson, with several transfer targets already identified and close to being completed once the transfer window officially opens today.

“We are already starting conversations and hopefully trying to get some players over the line as soon as possible,” said Flynn.

“When we come back for the start of pre-season, we want the group to bond as quickly as possible and to be part of that team ethic.

“We have to get recruitment right and we’ll discuss together, agree and disagree, but, ultimately, it’s my head that’s on the block or getting the statue built – there is no in-between in football!

“We’ll be thorough in everything we do and it’s not just about ability, it’s about affordability, attitude and injury records so we’ll do our due diligence to try and make sure we get the right characters to represent this football club.”

James Waite, another player to be released by County this summer, has signed for National League South side Weston-super-Mare AFC.

Meanwhile, Ryan Delaney is being linked with a move to Swindon Town.

Delaney joined County last summer and captained the side before his season was ended by injury in February.

He has been offered a new contract to remain at Rodney Parade but no agreement has been reached yet.