DO YOU think there should be a statue of Michael Flynn in Newport?
Speaking on an episode of EFL on Quest last night (Saturday, October 2), former football manager Ian Holloway suggested that there should be a statue of the former Newport County manager - who dramatically stepped down on Friday - outside Rodney Parade.
While discussing Mr Flynn's departure after more than four years managing the Exiles, Mr Holloway said: "What a hero he's been for that club.
"They [Newport County] were down and out when he first took over and that great escape - blimey. I'd put a statue outside the grounds for him."
Mr Flynn - a 40-year-old from Pill - was appointed in 2017 when County looked doomed to relegation to the National League - but spearheaded a run of seven wins from their last 12 games to avoid the drop - a period so dramatic it became known as 'the Great Escape'.
He was the most successful County manager since the club’s return to the EFL and even had three spells as a player with the Exiles.
Other highlights of his management career include Emirates FA Cup victories over Leeds United, Leicester City and Middlesbrough and ties against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, Carabao Cup ties against West Ham United and Newcastle United, and two Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Finals at Wembley.
Mr Flynn stepped down from his position as Newport County manager on Friday October 1, following four-and-a-half years the role, and wished the team luck in the future.
His assistant Wayne Hatswell will be in charge while the Exiles look for a replacement.
OTHER NEWS:
- Magic moments - A selection of highs from the Flynn years at County
- In pictures: Michael Flynn's time at Newport County
Although this is just an idea at the moment, if a staue of Mr Flynn were to be installed it wouldn’t be the first time Newport has immortalised a local sporting legend in this way.
Back in 2018 hundreds gathered near Newport’s riverfront for the unveiling of a statue of boxer and hometown hero David ‘Bomber’ Pearce, following 16 months of hard work and fundraising.
The campaign was launched by the boxers’ nephew, Luke Pearce, and the statue was unveiled by Barry featherweight Lee Selby - who described Pearce as "one hell of a fighter".
Do you think a statue of Michael Flynn should be installed outside Rodney Parade?
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel