MICHAEL Flynn has been handed the manager’s job at Newport County AFC on a permanent basis after orchestrating the side’s great escape from league Two relegation.

The club legend steered the Exiles to safety this season after taking over as caretaker boss with the side 11 points adrift at the foot of the table with 12 games to go.

Flynn, 36, who took charge following the sacking of Graham Westley in early March, has penned a two-year deal.

Wayne Hatswell and Lennie Lawrence are set to continue as assistant manager and first-team management consultant respectively.

“I’m delighted to have been named manager of the club,” said Flynn, who saw his team survive relegation on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat of Notts County.

“Nothing makes me prouder than to take charge of my hometown club. I made no secret that I wanted this job.

“When I took over as caretaker manager in March, I said I felt ready for the challenge and that’s still true now because I know this is a challenge.

“What we’ve achieved with this group of lads in the last few weeks has been unbelievable but I never want this club to be in that situation again.

“The challenge now is to get away. I’m ready to push on now and take this team forward with the help of Wayne Hatswell and Lennie Lawrence as well as the board.

“The fans have been through some really tough times this season.

“We want Rodney Parade to be like it was on the last game of the season every week and I’m hoping we’ll give them more to cheer about next season.

“They deserve that for sticking by us all this time.”

Chairman of operations Gavin Foxall added: “Michael has made the decision to appoint him on a permanent basis an easy one for the board of directors.

“From the outset as caretaker manager he has performed in an impressive manner in every area.

“His record and what he has achieved on the pitch in such a short period of time is phenomenal.”