MICHAEL Flynn’s time as boss of Newport County AFC started with a comeback win at Crewe on March, 2017, the first of many memorable victories over his four-year spell in charge.
The manager spearheaded a miracle escape from relegation, two promotion challenges and a number of cup runs that boosted the club’s coffers.
Here are some of the glorious moments from the Flynn years…
NOTTS COUNTY (2-1 win) – May 6, 2017
Flynn's biggest moment came while he was still caretaker manager after succeeding Graham Westley.
County were 11 points adrift at the bottom of League Two with 12 games left but avoided a return to the National League with a remarkable run, and dramatic finale.
Newport County captain Mark O'Brien has retired from football at the age of 27 as he requires heart surgery.
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 15, 2020
He famously netted this winning goal against Notts County in 2017 which helped Newport avoid relegation from League Two and retain their English Football League status... pic.twitter.com/ITlVVlbMHI
The Exiles needed to beat Notts County at a packed Rodney Parade and on 89 minutes Mark O’Brien controlled the ball with his chest, swivelled and fired in the winner that condemned Hartlepool to the drop.
Flynn won seven of his 12 games to get the job permanently and turn County into promotion contenders.
TOTTENHAM (1-1) – January 27, 2018
County knocked out Leeds, then of the Championship, to earn a shot at Spurs and came agonisingly close to stunning the Premier League side.
Tottenham brought a strong team to Rodney Parade but the Exiles hit the front when Padraig Amond nodded home after 38 minutes.
County soaked up pressure but England striker Harry Kane struck in the 82nd minute, leaving Flynn’s men to settle for the consolation of a lucrative Wembley replay.
LEICESTER CITY (2-1 win) – January 6, 2019
The 2016 Premier League winners were sent packing at Rodney Parade thanks to Amond’s penalty in the closing stages.
County hit the front when Jamille Matt rose high to head in Robbie Willmott’s perfect cross and then after Rachid Ghezzai had seemingly saved Leicester’s blushes, Amond held his nerve with five minutes to go.
County followed up their upset by dumping out Middlesbrough in a replay – getting one over fellow man of Newport Tony Pulis – and then going toe-to-toe with Manchester City’s superstars in Newport.
Pep Guardiola’s men were held 0-0 at the break before running out 4-1 winners after late strikes by Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.
MANSFIELD (5-3 on penalties) – May 12, 2019
The teams headed to Field Mill after sharing the spoils 1-1 in Newport and it was a dramatic encounter in the Midlands.
There were a glut of chances but somehow it remained goalless and a shootout was needed.
Dan Butler, Amond, Mickey Demetriou and Regan Poole scored and Joe Day saved from Tyler Walker to allow Matty Dolan to send the 1,100-strong Amber Army wild.
County headed for Wembley but, after being denied a clear penalty for a foul on Jamille Matt, were beaten by Tranmere at the end of extra time.
FOREST GREEN ROVERS (4-3 defeat) – May 23, 2021
Has a loss ever felt this good? County headed to the New Lawn with a 2-0 advantage after bossing the first leg of the League Two play-off semi-finals.
That was gone in the opening stages and Rovers looked set for Wembley when they hit the front early in the second half.
County rallied in torrential rain in Gloucestershire and a Kevin Ellison wonderstrike and a crisp finish by Joss Labadie looked to have won it until Matt struck late against his former teammates to take the tie to extra time.
Penalties loomed but then Nicky Maynard got on the end of a through ball, rounded the ‘keeper and scrambled home the winner of an incredible tie.
County were going back to Wembley, where sadly referee Bobby Madley would play a key role in them falling short against Morecambe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here