FORMER manager Justin Edinburgh believes Michael Flynn has recreated the spirit of the 2013 promotion-winning season and he’s confident that Newport County AFC can triumph at Wembley again this weekend.

Edinburgh was in the dugout and Flynn was on the pitch six years ago as County beat Wrexham in the Conference play-off final to seal their return to the Football League after a 25-year exile.

And the former Exiles boss, who has just guided Leyton Orient to the National League title, believes his old club will have the edge over Tranmere Rovers in this Saturday’s League Two play-off final.

“Hopefully Newport can get over the line,” said Edinburgh, whose O’s side were beaten in the FA Trophy final against AFC Fylde on Sunday.

“I’ve got a good feeling about it; they’ve got great momentum behind them.

“Tranmere will be tough, but I’m hoping Flynny and Hats [assistant manager Wayne Hatswell] can finish the job now.

“This team reminds me of the group we had in 2013,” he added.

“There’s that same unity and a real bond there. They have that same never-say-die attitude that we had back then and hopefully we’ll see the same outcome.

“I think they’ve got the advantage with the unbeaten run they’re on and because of the added pressure on Tranmere – a big club who probably expected to be in this position.”

South Wales Argus:

Tranmere are the bookmakers’ favourites to triumph at Wembley, but County are used to upsetting the odds this season after their run to the FA Cup fifth round.

“I speak to Flynny and Hats quite a bit and you can’t underestimate the job they’ve done there,” said Edinburgh.

“I voted for Flynny as manager of the year. To follow up the cup run, which has made them financially secure, with an unbeaten run to make the play-offs is just brilliant.

“I think they were 10th at one point on the final day so to be where they are now is amazing.”

South Wales Argus:

Flynn and Hatswell are not the only familiar faces for Edinburgh.

David Pipe lifted the trophy as captain in 2013 and he’s set to hang up his boots after this weekend, while Robbie Willmott, Joe Day and Regan Poole also worked with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender.

“I texted David recently to congratulate him on a fantastic career,” he said.

“He’s been an excellent servant to Newport in two spells and it would be a fitting tribute if he gets a few minutes and gets to lift that trophy again in his last match.

“I think that team was broken up far too quickly [in 2015] and it’s great to see Robbie back there too and doing so well.

“I like [Dan] Butler too and obviously there’s Joe Day, who I bought to the club. He’s so reliable.

“Then there’s Regan Poole who is looking great.

“I took him to Northampton on loan last season and I just thought he’d lost that competitive edge that he had as a boy.

“But he’s been superb these past few months and he looks like the player we knew he could be when we first saw him.

“I’m hoping Joss Labadie is fit as well, because he really gives that midfield an extra edge, but I really like the team that they’ve got together there and I just hope they can finish the job.”

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