FORMER Newport County AFC manager Graham Westley has revealed that he has been rejected by eight clubs this summer as he looks to get back to work as soon as possible.

Westley was sacked in March after a 4-0 home defeat to bottom club Leyton Orient left County 11 points from safety in League Two.

Caretaker boss Michael Flynn inspired the side to win seven of their last 12 games to escape relegation on the final day of the season.

But, writing in his exclusive column in the Football League Paper, Westley again argued that he played a big part in the Exiles beating the drop and laid out his credentials for future employers.

“It’s been a long and lonely footballing summer for me,” wrote the 49-year-old.

“For a third successive year I have felt like a sun with no sky to shine in.

“My managerial story is nearly 900 games long, with more than 46 per cent of those games being wins.

“I’ve won promotions, won cups, sold players for millions, helped clubs escape relegation and enjoyed prosperous cup runs.

“But none of that has counted for anything this summer as I have failed to even get a single interview in applications for jobs at eight clubs.

“People ask me if I am frustrated by that. The truthful answer to that is yes. But, because I don’t believe in living with negative emotions, I would answer no. And I always just reflect, learn and move on.

“Rejection doesn’t kill strong people.”

Reflecting on his time at Rodney Parade, Westley did not mention Flynn but talked up his part in the club’s survival.

“I began and ended last season without a job,” he wrote. “In the meantime, I signed 14 players (many unfit) in January for Newport as I contributed to their survival in the Football League.

“Two of those signings (Mickey Demetriou and Mark O’Brien) scored on the final day to keep the club up and our 3-1 home victory over Hartlepool in January was ultimately the decisive six-point game.”

And Westley reiterated that he is ready and waiting for his next opportunity.

“Football is a funny old game and you never know what is going to happen next,” he added.

“Whatever happens, you have to make it happen.

“Like a fighter getting ready for his next bout, an out-of-work manager needs to prepare thoroughly.

“It is about watching games, talking to agents, tracking players, talking to people about football, particularly player issues/strategies and learning/developing coaching methodologies.

“When you are back in a job, you can capitalise on all that work and, if you haven’t done it, you will be found out.”