WORLD Cup winner Thierry Henry has revealed how his friendship with Michael Flynn has made him a Newport County AFC supporter.

The Arsenal and France legend met County boss Flynn as part of the UEFA Pro Licence coaching course run by the Football Association of Wales in Newport.

The Argus reported in March that Henry had sent a good luck message by text when Flynn replaced Graham Westley as Exiles boss.

And, speaking at this weekend’s FAW National Coaches Conference at the Celtic Manor, Henry revealed that he followed County’s progress closely.

He heaped praise on the job Flynn did, winning seven out of 12 games to pull off the Great Escape and avoid relegation from League Two on the final day of the season.

“He is the big man,” said Henry. “He made the impossible possible.

“In all fairness, I didn’t think that it could be done.

“We were in contact through a few texts and obviously you send your regards and say ‘all the best’ but I thought it was going to be a difficult one in the situation they were in – 11 points with 12 games to go.

“But he made it happen. I don’t care if it’s League Two, it is a remarkable achievement and he made it happen.

“He did it his way, he has a certain view about what he wants and he’s obviously close to the club – he played there and finished there and now he’s managing there.

“I heard all about it, as you can imagine!”

Henry said Flynn’s achievement is even greater because he could not bring in any players as he took over after the transfer window had closed.

“It is amazing to make up 11 points with 12 games to go. Amazing,” said the Sky TV pundit who also acts as assistant manager to Roberto Martinez with the Belgian national team.

“And it was magical because he had to deal with what he had at the time and find a way to make those guys go on a mission.

“And they went on a mission with a good general.

“But a general needs soldiers and he executed it well and the guys responded.

“He analysed the situation well of what was needed at that particular moment and the guys responded well.

“It doesn’t matter what the adversities are, you need to adapt in any situation. Whatever challenge there is you have to meet it and he did that by staying up.”

South Wales Argus:

Henry now expects Flynn to build on his achievement and he wants the Exiles to be challenging at the other end of the League Two table next season.

“It’s still unbelievable for me and people will remember what he achieved,” he said.

“But you need to build from that and now I’m sure he’s going to try to make it his way and his style with his players.

“First he had to secure the position in the League. He did it and now he can go forward.

“I was looking at every single result up until the end to see if they were going to stay up and I will follow it next year as well. And I want promotion!”