NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hopes to announce further additions to his squad this week but he won’t be signing up World Cup winner Thierry Henry to play in League Two.

Arsenal legend Henry and Flynn are firm friends after the pair studied together on the UEFA Pro Licence coaching course run by the Football Association of Wales in Newport.

Henry revealed at the weekend that he has become a County fan as he followed the club’s Great Escape from relegation and he was full of praise the job that Flynn has done at his hometown club.

But, even though he’d love the 39-year-old Frenchman to lead the line for the Exiles next season, Flynn is looking elsewhere as he targets at least two new strikers.

Asked about the prospect of Henry joining the playing squad at Rodney Parade, Flynn said: “If a genie came to me and I had three wishes they’d all be Thierry to sign up front.

“We’ll always have a laugh and a joke but I’ve got so much respect for him that I would never ask him seriously.”

South Wales Argus:

With 16 players already signed up for next season, Flynn (above with Henry) is ahead of schedule in his recruitment plans but he is still working hard on bringing new faces to Newport.

“We’ve got the makings of a good team now,” he said. “We want competition for places and we’ve got a lot of defenders and a lot of midfielders.

“We need a couple more strikers and maybe one or two elsewhere and I’m sure we’ll be fine.

“I’m comfortable with where we are at the moment but I’m not resting yet. I’m sure there will be more news soon.”

South Wales Argus:

Another striker who will not be pulling on the amber shirt next season is Lenell John-Lewis (above), who has signed for League One Shrewsbury Town after two years at County.

“Lenny is a really nice lad, I’ve got a lot of time for him and he played an important part at the end of the season,” said Flynn.

“We never really saw the best of him because of the injuries.

“We’ve seen in flashes what he can do – he’s a strong boy, he works hard and he’s honest.

“He probably needs to add a few more goals to his game but he brings a lot more to a side and we wish him well.

“We can’t complain – he got offered a better deal and he’s gone to the league above. We’re sad to see him go but that’s football.”

South Wales Argus:

There was better news last week, however, when defender Mickey Demetriou (above) signed a new two-year contract to stay at the club.

“I’m really pleased to get Mickey over the line,” said the manager. “I think it’s a big coup for the club.

“He’s professional, he scores goals, he stops goals – he’s everything you want in a defender.

“It took slightly longer than the others but Mickey’s always been straight with me and I’m delighted to have him here.

“I’m sure there would have been interest in him from elsewhere but it’s a compliment to myself, to Hats [coach Wayne Hatswell] and to [first team management consultant] Lennie [Lawrence] that he wants to stay because of us.”