MIKE FLYNN is the new manager of local side Undy Athletic.

In a statement, Undy explained that present manager Mark Crook will move to a director of football role to accomodate Flynn.

"Undy Athletic AFC are delighted to announce Football League star Michael Flynn as their new joint player/manager.

"Michael will work alongside our current manager and first team coach Laurence Owen as part of a management team that will see our long-standing manager Mark Crook move up to the position of director of football.

"Michael's playing career spans 16 years, including scoring against Jose Mourinho's Porto in a 3-1 Champions League win for Barry Town in 2001, and has played almost 400 Football League games for seven different clubs so he is a welcome addition to our playing squad.

"We are confident Michael will be a successful manager with his proven leadership credentials as a popular captain of Gillingham, Bradford City and Newport County while he has enjoyed success as youth development coach at Newport helping Regan Poole, Aaron Collins and Kieran Parselle into the first-team at Rodney Parade.

"We will fully support Michael continue his career development as he plans to begin his UEFA Pro Licence coaching qualification with the Football Association of Wales after successfully gaining his UEFA A licence alongside former Premier League superstars Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell at Dragon Park.

"Michael's experience and expertise will play a vital role in assisting Undy United AFC fulfil our important objective as we look to develop our own youth academy for the children of south Monmouthshire.

"We are delighted that Michael has agreed to join our journey in the Welsh League but would not stand in Michael's way should he receive an offer to remain as a professional football player and we would release him from his duties at Undy United AFC with our blessing.

"Michael has also recently started a new estate agent partnership Crook, Hudson and Flynn in nearby Magor Square and by joining the management team at Undy Athletic AFC, we would like to welcome Michael into our community and wish him every success."