FA CUP hotshot Padraig Amond is adamant that he won’t be tempted into management any time soon, insisting that Newport County AFC boss Michael Flynn is the best in League Two.
Amond recently signed a new deal that will keep him at Rodney Parade until 2022, when he’ll be 34, but he wants to go on playing beyond that.
And, though he’s enjoyed coaching in the County youth ranks, he’s clear that management holds little attraction at present.
“Management is possibly something I’ll look at, but there are a lot of years to go before that,” said the striker.
“It’s not in the immediate thoughts. I have no interest in finishing [playing] any time soon.
“This won’t be my last contract; I feel like I can go on a lot longer.”
Amond is aiming to score in an eighth successive round of the FA Cup when County take on Maldon & Tiptree in tomorrow’s second-round tie.
“As much as everyone keeps trying to talk me into retirement, I feel I’ve got a lot more to offer on the pitch,” said the 31-year-old.
“I was never blessed with pace throughout my career, so it’s not something that I’ve lost.
“I’m probably a better player now than I ever was and I have no intentions of finishing any time soon.
“My contract finishes when I’m 34 and I hope to still be playing for another few years after that again.
“I have no interest right now in management,” he added. “Why would I? I’m a footballer. I’m not a manager yet. I’m coaching with the kids and that’s really enjoyable but I have no interest [at the moment].
“You’re only ever six games away from losing your job as a manager and I don’t think there’s any other job where you are under that sort of pressure.”
And Amond reckons that County are already blessed with the best boss in the fourth tier.
“He’s a very good manager and he’s going to go a very long way and we’re lucky to have him as our manager,” said the Irishman.
“He’s the best in the league. Look where the club was when he took over – going out of the Football League, potentially.
“And now look at the club. With the runs we’ve had in the FA Cup, the future of the club is quite secure.
“For years, I suppose, Newport were just looking to stay in the Football League. But now, the aim is to get as high as we can.
“We were unlucky last year – we were a few minutes away from going up.
“So the club is in a very healthy position and the manager is a massive reason why I stayed here.
“You want to be successful and you want to right the wrongs of last year.
“It still hurts, but you have to use that as motivation to get to the next level.”
Flynn is also a big fan of his top scorer and he’s backing Amond to go from strength to strength.
“He’s definitely got a lot more to give,” said the Exiles boss.
“He’s one of the fittest every pre-season, he looks after himself.
“He probably came back a little bit slower this pre-season but we gave him a break because he got married and he’s allowed to have a little bit of time celebrating.
“He’s caught up now, he’s hit all his records and he’s looking as fit as ever and he’s very rarely injured. I’m delighted he’s extended his contract.”
Read more: Newport County boss dreaming of Liverpool FA Cup clash
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