PROMOTION-WINNING captain David Pipe has returned to Newport County AFC as fitness coach.
Manager Michael Flynn has bolstered his backroom team with the 36-year-old, who retired in 2019 after the League Two play-off final defeat to Tranmere Rovers.
Pipe, who led the Exiles back to the EFL in 2013 and made over 200 appearances for the club, moved into fitness coaching and will now combine an Exiles role with running Carbon Fiit Gym in the city.
READ MORE: The talking points from County's win against Barrow
With Exiles having a gruelling schedule in 2020/21, the former skipper will assist in keeping the squad sharp and played a leading role in pre-match preparations at Rodney Parade on Saturday before Saturday’s 2-1 win against Barrow.
“We want to keep the good spirit and good characters around the place,” said Flynn, who was a former teammate of Pipe before becoming his boss.
“I’ve had a chat with ‘Pipey’ to bring him in on the fitness side of things when he can, because he’s obviously got his own business and is doing well.
“We’ve looked at the timetable and the fixtures, he has managed to juggle a few things around and he’s in at a very minimal cost to the club.
Fit-again Matty Dolan being put through his paces by David Pipe. Starter or sub? Team news in 10 minutes... pic.twitter.com/Teya5278Rv
— Argus on County (@argusoncounty) September 19, 2020
“We’ve managed to do something where he can come in and play a part, and it’s good to have him around.
“He is a great lad and is somebody I get on really well with, likewise with Mark O’Brien (who has stayed involved after retiring in the summer following heart surgery).
“They are good characters to have around. They wear their hearts on their sleeve and will make sure we are going in the right direction.”
The Exiles beat Barrow 2-1 thanks to goals by Liam Shephard and Ryan Taylor either side of a leveller by Lewis Hardcastle following a defensive mistake by Mickey Demetriou.
They now turn attention to trying to secure another scalp when they entertain Watford in round three of the Carabao Cup.
“It’s a free hit for us and we’re looking forward to it,” said Flynn. “I might make one or two changes but we will give it our best shot.”
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