NEWPORT County AFC chairman Gavin Foxall believes it was a win-win-win situation for Lennie Lawrence to leave for Stevenage Borough.

The 72-year-old has left his role as management consultant for a similar role at Boro, who have been relegated from League Two.

Lawrence arrived at Rodney Parade in March 2017 to give advice to novice caretaker boss Michael Flynn and helped County survive relegation in their great escape, enjoy some FA Cup upsets and make it to the final of the 2019 play-offs.

But money is tight at Rodney Parade because of the coronavirus crisis, which means the Exiles are offering no fresh contracts and have had to say goodbye to key figures Scot Bennett and Jamille Matt.

With Flynn now having more experience and costs being cut, the approach from Stevenage for Lawrence was welcomed.

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"The timing has been right to a certain extent. There are decisions for the manager to make in this economic environment and Lennie had an opportunity with Stevenage," said Foxall.

"There's the link with Alex Tunbridge, their CEO [a role he held in Newport], and fair play to their chairman Phil Wallace, he gave me a ring and said 'We are looking at Lennie, would that cause you a problem?'.

"It's worked out well for Lennie, it's worked out well for us, and it's worked out well for Stevenage.

"Flynny has always made the footballing decisions. There were economic factors that came into play and, coupled with Lennie having an opportunity, the timing was right.

"Combine those things together and you don't often have a solution where everybody is content. I am sure he will remain a friend of the club and we look forward to seeing him in the future."

County enjoyed some incredible highs thanks to Lawrence being in the background with his wisdom, enthusiasm and man management skills.

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"Credit to Flynny, it was his idea to bring Lennie in to use his experience," said Foxall. "He knew him from the Pro Licence course at the FAW and Lennie did a terrific job for us.

"He contributed significantly to what happened – the great escape, getting to the play-off final, the cup games – and I know that he takes away some very fond memories of the club's achievements.

"Lennie is a great bloke and we had a really good relationship with him as a board. He will always be fondly remembered here and welcome."

Meanwhile, Newport paid £51,740 in fees to football agents and intermediaries between February 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020.

County's total was the 12th highest in League Two with three clubs - Bradford, Salford and Scunthorpe - hitting six figures.

Northampton Town and Exeter City clash in the play-off final at Wembley on Monday evening for the right to join champions Swindon, Crewe and Plymouth in League One.