STRIKER Danny Crow is targeting a career in management after leaving the Exiles and admits his County career has been a very mixed bag.

The 28-year old was released by the club yesterday having made only two substitute appearances all term, following an up and down campaign last season when Crow was in and out of the side and became the subject of some barracking from a small section of Exiles fans.

That’s in stark contrast to Crow’s first season when he was a key figure in County’s promotion from the Conference, his mere presence in the starting XI usually proving a lucky charm for Justin Edinburgh’s side.

County have had interest in Crow from some Conference clubs, but he admits he’s already looking ahead to the next chapter, having already completed his UEFA B License qualification at Newport’s Dragon Park.

The Argus understands Crow could be set for a player/coach role in the near future, but he admits he leaves Newport with mixed feelings.

“Obviously the last 18 months have been very disappointing, my form and the amount of injuries I’ve had has been tough to deal with,” he told Argus Sport.

“I was all set for a loan to Wrexham earlier this season and I rolled my ankle in the next training session and that’s the way it’s gone recently.

“And to be honest, I’ve had some interest from Conference clubs now, but it isn’t what I am after, nothing stood out.

“I still love football and I want to remain involved, it’s all I’ve ever known, but I want a challenge.

“I’ve done some coaching with the U16s this year and ultimately I think I would like to be a manager, so the chance to do some part-time playing and getting more involved in the coaching side is appealing.

“I think the way I read the game and the style of player I am, I would like to think that will help me.”

Despite being a peripheral figure at Rodney Parade in recent months, Crow has only positive things to say about the Exiles.

“I’ve had a lot more downs than ups in recent times, but I still enjoyed my time with the club,” he said.

“The main memory I will take of course is getting promoted, that was one of the best times in my career and I don’t think anyone realised it would happen so quickly.

“I know it is a cliché, but the side I was a part of are in the history books at this club and it’s a club with a lot of respect for history.

“I have so much respect for Newport and it’s nice to think that in 20-years time I might get invited back as part of the Conference promotion team.

“Whatever happens in the future I will always look out for County results now, I have made a lot of friends in Newport and that says a lot, because there really aren’t as many proper friends in the game as you might expect.

“Hopefully they can go up this season as well, that would be great.”