MANAGER Michael Flynn has revealed that Joss Labadie turned down a number of other clubs to return to Newport County AFC.

The former County captain re-joined the Exiles on Tuesday in a short-term deal that will run until the end of the season.

Labadie has recovered from the anterior cruciate ligament knee injury that has kept him out since March and has now returned to training.

And, despite rejecting a new contract to stay in the summer, the 28-year-old says he is “buzzing to be back” at Rodney Parade.

Flynn says he was not certain that he would get the deal over the line before Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Bury.

“It didn’t take a lot of persuasion but he’s had a lot of teams interested in him,” said the Exiles boss.

“When he was about to sign there was another club on the phone to him.

“I was a little bit anxious when I was waiting outside for him for half an hour but, the lad he is, he gave another club a courtesy call.

“He gave me his word and that was good enough.

“That just goes to show that he’s the right character and he’s come here for the right reasons. I’m absolutely delighted.”

Labadie is keen to get back on the pitch as soon as possible but Flynn won’t rush his return to action.

“He’ll be fit when he’s fit,” he said. “When you see him on the team sheet, he’s fit.

“We’ll work hard with him now to get him up to speed and he’ll be involved when he’s ready.

“We’ve got to make sure he’s right but I’m excited to see him back in a Newport County shirt.

“He’s a big presence on and off the pitch,” he added.

“He’ll be big for us. I can’t wait to get him back on the pitch.

“He’s someone who I think is a very good player and he can make the difference for us.”

County say the signing has been made possible through a “matched funding approach by the Trust and individual board members” and that it “reflects the desire of the club to match the ambition and intent of the manager and his team.”

And Flynn is keen to strengthen his squad again in January, if possible.

“Joss is somebody that I’ve got a lot of time for,” he explained.

“We’ve got a very good relationship and he’s somebody who I think can improve the football club and the team, so it was a no-brainer really.

“I’d like to thank the people who made it happen. It’s all good manager’s asking for things but I think this one is worth it. Joss Labadie is worth it.

“I’ll be looking to do the same again in January as well. You want to keep improving and strengthening and let’s hope we can do that.”