STRIKER Jamille Matt says it would surprise him if other clubs didn’t show an interest in Newport County AFC boss Michael Flynn over the summer.

Flynn saved the Exiles from relegation two years ago and nearly guided them to promotion on Saturday, only for a last-gasp defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the League Two play-off final.

Matt, who was at the centre of County’s big shout for a penalty late in the second half of the Wembley showpiece, wants things to stay as they are next term.

But he accepts that given the job Flynn has done at Rodney Parade since taking over from Graham Westley in March 2017, the Newport chief is bound to have caught the eye of potential suitors.

When asked how he sees the future of the current squad and manger, Matt said: “I don’t know.

“It’s a special group of players, the best I’ve been involved with on a day-to-day basis.

“Everyone comes in everyday with a smile on their face, and that’s something the manager and staff have created.

“I’m looking forward to next season, and I don’t want this to be the last memory (for the current squad).

“But we’re all ambitious players, that’s the way football is, so we’ll have to wait and see how it goes.

“You can’t say everyone is going to stay because that’s the way football is, people tend to move on.

“I hope to see everyone here next season.”

On Flynn he added: “He’s done fantastic work for the club. He’s done an unbelievable job and we can’t speak highly enough of him.

“I’d be surprised if there wasn’t interest in him because he’s done a fantastic job.”

Matt, meanwhile, was convinced Newport should have been awarded with five minutes of normal time remaining.

He appeared to be fouled by Manny Monthe in the Tranmere box, but referee Ross Joyce ignored County’s appeals and awarded Rovers a free-kick with Mark O’Brien ruled offside from Matt’s pass.

“It was a penalty,” said Matt. “It wasn’t given and it’s all history now, that’s as much as I can say.

“You can see my reaction, I’ve not dived, so to me it’s a penalty.”

He continued: “I’ll reflect on this in the next couple of days and then look to go again.

“You can’t let it get you down too much because if you rest on your laurels someone can come in and take your place.

Matt had County’s best chance of the game in the 73rd minute when his header was pushed on to the post by Tranmere keeper Scott Davies.