JUSTIN Edinburgh – the man who guided Newport County AFC to promotion in 2013 – is backing Michael Flynn to keep the Exiles in the Football League today and lead the club to a brighter future.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of County’s Conference play-off final victory over Welsh rivals Wrexham at Wembley when Edinburgh was in the dugout and Flynn was on the pitch.

And tomorrow the former Exiles boss, now in charge of League One Northampton Town, hopes to see his friend complete the Great Escape at Rodney Parade.

Victory over Notts County will be enough for Flynn’s men to avoid relegation from League Two.

Anything less than a win will mean Hartlepool United, currently two points behind, will stay up if they manage to beat promoted Doncaster Rovers.

But Edinburgh is convinced that his old club will survive and that Flynn and assistant Wayne Hatswell, who also worked under him, are the perfect pair to take the club forward next season.

South Wales Argus:

“I’m obviously very pleased and I’m delighted for Flynny, Hats and everyone at the club,” said Edinburgh (above at Wembley).

“I had a brilliant time there and I know what it will mean to everyone involved and everyone in the city if they can finish off the job.

“We worked so hard to get the club into the Football League and I know how hard it was to get up so it will mean everything for them to stay up.

“To take it this far has been amazing and I’ve got no doubt that with the backing of that crowd they will get the win they need.

“With 7,500 there it will be rocking and it will be a really intimidating place for any team to come to.”

Edinburgh has been in regular contact with Flynn since the 36-year-old took over as caretaker manager from Graham Westley in March, when County were 11 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

“We always knew that coaching was his future and we moved him to coach the youth team,” he said.

“He’s doing his UEFA Pro Licence and he’s got experienced guys like Hats and Lennie Lawrence alongside him.

“I’ve just told him to be himself. It’s a tough enough job without trying to be somebody you’re not.

“Just be honest and be yourself and you’ve got a good chance.

“He knows what the club is all about and he’s doing a fantastic job,” he added.

“Did I think they could get out of it? I thought it was a real long shot.

“When you look at the position they were in when he took over you’d have to say there won’t be many bigger miracles in football if he pulls it off.

“And I’m sure Michael will keep the job and take the club forward.

“I just can’t see how it would be given to anyone else now after the job that he’s done.

“He’s turned the club around brought a feel-good factor back.

“The last few years have been hard for Newport and it would have been easy to see it as unachievable when Flynny took over.

“But nothing would please me more than if they get the job done this weekend.”