NEWPORT County AFC player of the season Dan Butler has paid tribute to manager Michael Flynn for helping him overcome a rocky start to his career at Rodney Parade.

Left-back Butler is set to make his 100th appearance for the Exiles away to Carlisle United (kick-off 3pm) as Flynn’s charges bid to end their League Two season in the top 10.

Butler picked up two club awards following last Saturday’s defeat of Cambridge United – he also won the PFA Community Champion accolade – just a few days after signing a fresh one-year contract.

But it hasn’t always been so rosy for the 23-year-old defender, who endured some tough times under previous bosses Warren Feeney and Graham Westley.

Having joined in the summer of 2016, the former Portsmouth and Torquay ace struggled to string together a run of consistent performances, something which didn’t go unnoticed by the fans.

However, Flynn taking the top job appears to have given him a new lease of life, and things are going well for Butler off the pitch as well as on it.

“I’m settled, I’ve got a young family, I enjoy playing here, I’ve now got a good relationship with the fans and a lot of the staff and I want it to continue,” he said.

“I’ve never hidden that it was tough for me before he (Flynn) took charge, and since then I feel I’ve proven I’m a good player.

“I’m good to have around the place and I think that has shown on the pitch.

“I just needed someone who I felt believed in me.

“He didn’t give me a cuddle but he put his arm around me and just helped me get my confidence back, and now I’ve signed a new contract so it has all worked out well.”

On life pre-Flynn, he added: “I always knew I was good enough to be playing at this level because I’d done it before, I just wasn’t showing it on a consistent basis.

“If I did have a good game my next two weren’t good enough.

“My main focus was making sure I was a seven out of 10 every week instead of a four one week and an eight the next.

“I’ve got to make sure that next year I’m even better and I can’t just have one decent season.

“I’ll be focusing on this off season to make sure I come back and have an even better season.”

Butler admits he was surprised to be named County’s player of the season, while he takes great pride in the community award.

“I was quite shocked to get player of the season,” he said. “I know I’ve had a good season but I honestly didn’t think I’d win that award.

“It really shows the fans have taken to me this year and they appreciate what I’ve done, on and off the pitch.

“I got the community award as well which I’m probably happier about because that’s me giving back to the people who support us.

“I’ve built relationships with people. I’ve been here for almost two years and see the same people week in, week out.”