Newport County boss Michael Flynn says club legend David Pipe will only play if he's needed

Pipe announced last week that he will be retiring at the end of this season to concentrate on fitness work with children across Gwent.

The 35-year-old led the team out ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 win over League Two champions Lincoln City at Rodney Parade, but he was a mere spectator once the action started.

Pipe has made 25 appearances this season but he’s been an unused substitute in the last seven matches.

His last game-time came off the bench as Cheltenham Town were beaten 1-0 on March 15 and he hasn’t started a match since the 3-0 defeat at Grimsby Town on February 2.

Flynn says Pipe could still play a part as the club chase a place in the League Two play-offs in their final two games – at home to Oldham Athletic tomorrow night and at Morecambe on Saturday – but he will only feature on merit.

“He’ll only play if we need him,” said the Exiles boss.

“There’s no room for sentiment, and he understands that. He’s a professional.

“There have been a couple of times in the last few games where I was going to put him on and I’ve got no doubt that if we need him, he’ll do a job. But I won’t put him on for the sake of it.

“He’s been a fantastic professional for this football club,” added Flynn.

“He’s been here through thick and thin – gone away, come back. Part of the Great Escape, part of the promotion into the Football League. Part of the cup runs this season and last season.

“I’ve got nothing but good words to say about him and it’s almost an end of an era, so to speak.

“He’s got other ventures which he wants to pursue, and he goes with my blessing. I wish him all the luck in the world, and I hope it goes really well for him. He’s been perfect for me.”

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