FORMER Newport County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh says first team coach Mike Flynn should take the credit for the emergence of the club’s youthful talents in recent seasons.

County have sold 17-year-old defender Regan Poole to Manchester United this season and fellow academy graduate Aaron Collins could be set for a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Flynn was player/academy coach under Edinburgh before both left the Exiles last year.

And the 35-year-old returned to the club following Terry Butcher’s dismissal in October to assist first John Sheridan and now new boss Warren Feeney.

Edinburgh says the work Flynn did with the academy should be recognised.

“He’s a fantastic person, fully committed to Newport as a player and now as a coach,” he told BBC Radio Wales.

“He takes a lot of pride in being involved with that football club and he should take a lot of plaudits for the young players who’ve come through – Regan Poole, Aaron Collins and Tom Owen-Evans.

“Michael and myself played a massive part in that and I’m really glad that he’s back at the football club because he’d do anything for that club and he’s certainly a big asset to it.”

Edinburgh, who left County to become Gillingham boss in February 2015, has backed Warren Feeney to be a success in the Rodney Parade hot seat.

“It was very difficult for me to leave that football club,” he added.

“It was very close to my heart and I took a lot of pride in the work that myself and the staff and the players did there.

“I think from where I took over and left I don’t think I could have done anything more.

“I think it’s been a little bit of a struggle since, which is sad to see and upsetting, but I think with Warren Feeney they have a fantastic man in charge now.

“I’ve worked very closely with Warren on my Pro Licence in Wales and I think they’ve got a fantastic young manager in place now that again can take the club forward.”

Feeney will be aided by a cash windfall thanks to a 20 per cent sell-on clause for former County striker Conor Washington, who this week moved from Peterborough United to Queens Park Rangers.

“We knew that we were investing in potential,” said Edinburgh, who signed Washington from non-league St Ives Town in 2012.

“For him to have had the rapid rise in the last three and a half years has perhaps surprised myself.

“But obviously it’s a fantastic move for Conor and even better for Newport.

“I think it’s a lifeline – a fantastic windfall for them and I’m absolutely delighted.

“To see a player that we took from nowhere to go on and be successful and the club to be able to get close to £1m is fantastic.

“It’s a chance for them to continue what the fans have started and keep the club going in the right direction.”