DEFENDER Dan Butler is desperate to get one over on former coach Dino Maamria this afternoon.

Maamria was assistant manager at Newport County AFC last season until he and boss Graham Westley were sacked in March 2017.

County went on to stage a remarkable recovery under Michael Flynn and secured the Great Escape from relegation on the final day of the season.

Butler was voted player of the season for the 2016-2017 campaign by Argus readers but he admits that he endured a difficult period under the Westley-Maamria regime.

And, while stopping short of a full Kevin Keegan ‘I will love it if we beat them’ rant, it’s clear that three points would mean a lot to him when the Exiles host Maamria’s Stevenage side today.

The Tunisian took charge of Boro last month and this will be his first time back at Rodney Parade since the 4-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient 13 months ago.

“I’m sure he’ll get a bit of stick from the fans,” said Butler.

“Most previous managers and assistant managers do.

“I’ve never been scared to admit it was quite tough at times under that reign but that’s in the past now.

“We’ve come on leaps and bounds since then.

“It’s just another game for us. We’ve got to make sure we get three points.

“It doesn’t matter who’s in charge of the opposition.”

But, asked if Maamria’s presence would make a win all the sweeter, the 23-year-old said with a smile: “Yeah, of course it will. I’ll be really happy if we get a win.”

County will be well rested after their Easter Monday match at Chesterfield was postponed.

“It was frustrating but we didn’t play so of course we’re going to be a lot fresher,” added the left-back.

“We probably had quite a few stiff bodies from Friday’s game. The pitch was a lot better but it did take a lot out of us so, you never know, it could have worked in our favour.”