NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn suggested that his squad is lacking in character and that the players do not appear to be backing him and his staff after Saturday’s 5-0 humbling at Oldham Athletic.

County, who were also beaten 4-2 at Grimsby Town last week, have now lost five successive away games in League Two.

And a record of just four wins in the past 21 league games has seen them slide down the table to 16th, ending any realistic hopes of matching last season’s run to the play-off final.

“We had different characters last season and a different team ethic,” said the Exiles boss after the battering at Boundary Park.

“I didn’t see that performance coming, but that’s probably me being naïve.

“I take responsibility. They’re my players, I back them and it doesn’t look like we’re getting backed back at the minute.”

Flynn also admitted that he is now fighting to remain in charge of his hometown club beyond this season.

“We’ve got another 12 games and it’s a different 12 games now for me,” he said.

“We’re three years on from when I first came in. I wanted to make an impression and show that I could do the job.

“I’ve done that and now I’ve got to dig in and try to keep hold of my job for 12 games.

“I’m not one of these to shy away from it. You’re all going to ask me in a week or two and I’ve got 12 games probably to convince the board that I’m the one to keep in charge.”

Asked if he felt under pressure from the board, the manager said: “I put pressure on myself. I’m not one to shy away from anything.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn made a point of going over to thank the 147 travelling fans on Saturday and he ensured that the players followed his lead after the final whistle.

“I’ve got to go over and clap the fans,” he said. “I clap them every game and I didn’t want any of them (the players) hiding.

“I take responsibility, but they’re not hiding and just walking straight down the tunnel.

“Going over and thanking the fans is the least they can do and it’s the only thing they did do [all afternoon].

“I didn’t really hear the response [of the supporters in the away end] but it probably wasn’t a very good one,” Flynn added.

“I’m sure social media has kicked off and it’s all fun and games but there’s nothing I can do about that.”

County return to action next Saturday when they host 22nd-placed Morecambe at Rodney Parade and Flynn is happy to have time on the training pitch without a midweek game.

“We’ve got a free week now and we’ve got to do something,” he said.

“It comes at a good time because I’ve got to try to pick them up and go again next week.”

Read more: The talking points from Oldham Athletic 5 Newport County 0