FORMER manager Graham Westley has congratulated his successor Michael Flynn for building on his work at Rodney Parade and keeping Newport County AFC in the Football League.

County were rock bottom of the League Two table and 11 points from safety when Westley was sacked on March 9 – five days after a 4-0 humbling at home to Leyton Orient.

But caretaker manager Flynn inspired the side to win seven of their last 12 games to finish two points clear of the relegation zone.

Writing in his column in the Football League Paper, Westley said he’s delighted that Flynn finished the job that he believes he started with a massive overhaul of the squad in January.

“I inherited a Newport team at the bottom of the Football League, riddled with key man injuries, with very poor facilities, with departing admin staff and with one win in 24,” he wrote.

“It was a very tough situation.

“Despite resigning in November, I was persuaded to stay on and in January/February I created a high risk/low cost/total overhaul of the squad, bringing in 14 players and exiting 12.

“I did not enjoy my time at Newport but I gave my all and my work in producing a new/reconstructed squad and in getting that squad fit did gave Newport the platform upon which to fight hard for survival.

“That transfer window and subsequent in-season pre-season was a huge turning point.”

Westley also pointed to the January 28 victory over relegation rivals Hartlepool United, who finished two points below the Exiles, as a key point in the battle to beat the drop.

“The eventual debut of Ryan Bird in our 3-1 win over Hartlepool in January was a vital moment,” he added.

“His type of striker was needed on that Rodney Parade pitch and results like our subsequent draw with Doncaster emphasised that.

“Big players like Mickey Demetriou and Mark O’Brien were signed and nursed to fitness.

“Similarly, the returns to fitness of Joss Labadie and Sean Rigg from the bench after long-term absences in my final game were huge.

“Massive credit to Flynny for a fantastic end to the season.

“I am delighted the club could convert the January window into a completed job.”