PEOPLE thinking that rumours linking Michael Flynn with the top job at Lincoln City affected his players on Saturday “don’t know what they’re talking about”, according to the Newport County boss.

Speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Northampton Town, Flynn was forthright in declaring he will take charge of the Exiles for their next League Two match on Tuesday night.

County travel to Macclesfield Town having seen their unbeaten start to the campaign – 17 regular-season matches in total – ended by the Cobblers.

Andy Williams, whose first-half strike found its way in courtesy of Mark O’Brien, and Sam Hoskins scored to end the visitors’ run, while County’s Jamille Matt was sent off for two bookable offences.

When asked what he thought of anyone who feels the speculation over his future had a negative effect on the team at the PTS Academy Stadium, Flynn replied: “They don’t know what they’re talking about.

“I’m just here to talk about today’s game and be respectful to my players because they deserve it. I’ll be in charge on Tuesday.”

Reflecting on what went wrong against Keith Curle’s men, he added: “I don’t think we were quite at it.

“We huffed and puffed at times, and you could sort of see the tone being set when we had a chance to go 1-0 up, it was marginally offside, and then we go and score an own goal.

“It’s a bit frustrating. It was a so-so performance.

“We weren’t brave enough on the ball in the first half and we conceded a goal that nine times out of 10 he (O’Brien) clears.

“We were on top in the second half and I’ll say that the breaks in play helped them turn the momentum around again.”

He continued: “I’m not going to bother making excuses, we weren’t at it and they did what they did well and got the three points. They deserved it.

“The players have been on a fantastic run, 17 games unbeaten over a regular season is some effort for anybody, especially for Newport County.

“We’re not one of the big clubs but those players give their all day in, day out and week in, week out.

“If we went unbeaten until Christmas, I think we’d be near enough promoted.

“I don’t get carried away. A loss was going to come sooner rather than later, and I’m glad I don’t have to come back here this year.”

Flynn’s adamant one of his players was fouled before County conceded the second – he said he would be speaking to the referee and his assessor.

He said: “It was a definite foul. I’m not going to get drawn too much on that because I’m not going to take the result away from Northampton.”