NEW first team management consultant Lennie Lawrence has been backed to make a big impact at Newport County AFC.

Lawrence was appointed on Tuesday to help caretaker manager Michael Flynn and assistant Wayne Hatswell as they aim to save County from relegation.

And Flynn said the former Cardiff City boss has already shown his worth before, during and after the 1-1 draw with Luton Town.

“I introduced him to the lads before the game and he spoke to them,” said the Exiles boss.

“For me he’s a sounding board, he’s someone to give advice because he’s been there, seen it and done it.

“He’s got a wealth of experience with over a thousand games and he’s someone I respect.

“He’s a tutor on the UEFA Pro Licence [course at Dragon Park in Newport] and the way he conducts himself is very professional.

“He’ll be good for the board and the fans can see that we’re doing it seriously – I want to do things the right way.

“I know what I’m good at and I know what I need help on and Lennie’s only going to help me improve that.”

He added: “He won’t be there every day – there’s no need.

“I’ve got an excellent coach in Wayne Hatswell, who’s been outstanding since he came in, so there’s no need for Lennie to do that.

“I think it’s the wrong time of his career for Lennie to be in every day on the training ground.

“He’ll be at board meetings and he’ll be at games and he came in and spoke at half-time about a few things that he’d seen.

“If the players take on board what’s being said by myself, by Wayne and by Lennie then the boys can hopefully only improve.”

Steve Perryman, director of football at League Two rivals Exeter City, says Lawrence’s appointment is a boost for County.

“I know Lennie well,” said Perryman. “He knows the ins and outs of football very well and he has a lot of experience. He can only help.”

Spurs legend Perryman is the special guest in an evening of entertainment at Bedwas Rugby Club on Friday night.

Perryman is Spurs’ appearance record holder with 866 games during a career spanning three decades at White Hart Lane.

Between 1969 and 1986 he won two UEFA Cups, two FA Cups and two League Cups with Tottenham and one England cap.

Perryman also played for Oxford United and Brentford and managed Watford and Exeter City as well as clubs in Norway and Japan.

Fans will get to hear tales of his 17 years at Spurs and beyond and will have the opportunity to have pictures taken with Perryman and have memorabilia signed.

Doors open at 6pm and the evening, hosted by comedian Richard Cracknell, runs from 7pm to midnight.

There will also be a memorabilia raffle and auction on the night.

Tickets bought in advance cost £25 and include a hot buffet.

They are available from Clive Newbury of South Wales Spurs on 029 20860490 or 07772028897, via email at swslegends@sky.com or or on the door.

All proceeds will be shared between The Tottenham Tribute Trust and the St John Cymru Wales Bedwas Division.