NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh has opened up to the Argus on his decision to snub the chance to manage 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

The ex-Rushden boss is one of the hottest young managers in British football after leading Newport from bottom of the Conference to near the summit of League Two – via Wembley twice – in just two years.

Despite signing a new contract to stay at Rodney Parade interest in Edinburgh is almost inevitable and this week the club received their first formal approach from a rival suitor.

And as an ex-Pompey player, Edinburgh admits there was a interest in heading to Fratton Park, but he’s opted to remain instead with the County.

And in a day and age where loyalty is almost a swear word in football circles, the former Spurs defender is adamant he has made the right choice... for him.

“It was very flattering to be linked with Portsmouth, for them to want to speak to me and the club made me fully aware of it, but after discussions I made clear that I was happy here and we had some really positive talks,” he said.

“It was an easy decision, being an ex-club and a big club there was a bit of a pull, but I feel that we are a work in progress.

“At the end of the day, loyalty is almost laughed upon in football, it’s a dirty word, but this club gave me an opportunity when I was out of work and I feel we can continue the job we are doing here.

“There was without a doubt a feeling of loyalty. It has taken me a long time to become a Football League manager and I’ve learned a lot of things along the way.

“I’ve got stability here and a fantastic group of players, an excellent board and director of football and a fantastic set of fans who make my job very easy. I still feel there is work to do here and the club can continue the success it has had.”

Edinburgh is relishing tomorrow’s trip to Kidderminster and has given some surprising team news.

The manager usually rotates his squad for the cup competitions, but has suggested that won’t be the case tomorrow.

“We are in good form, as are Kidderminster, we are enjoying our football and you don’t want to disrupt that too much,” he said.

“It’s a massive couple of games for us that can keep the season on such a high and it’s tough in terms of rotation.

“It’s difficult, I will always look to keep everyone fresh but the players are buzzing right now and with the momentum they have, it’d take a brave man to pull them out.

“We are at a stage where they are massive games and I doubt we’ll go with less than our current strongest starting XI.”