NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn hopes Josh Sheehan is the first of many players to commit his future to the club this summer.

Sheehan has agreed a new two-year deal to stay at Rodney Parade until the end of the 2020-2021 season.

The 24-year-old midfielder was due to become a free agent at the end of June but he now brings the number of players signed up for next season to 11.

Sheehan will join goalkeeper Nick Townsend, defender Jay Fouslton, utility man Scot Bennett, midfielder Lewis Collins, wingers Robbie Willmott and Keanu Marsh-Brown and forwards Padraig Amond, Jamille Matt, Ade Azeez and Momodou Touray in reporting for pre-season training at the end of June.

The former Swansea City man has made 82 appearances for the club and has enjoyed a good relationship with the County faithful since his initial successful loan move from the Liberty Stadium during the 2016-2017.

He returned to Rodney Parade on a permanent basis in January 2018 after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury and played a key part in County’s run to the League Two play-off final at Wembley this season.

South Wales Argus:

“I’m delighted to extend my stay at Rodney Parade,” he said.

“Ever since I first came on loan at the club from Swansea, I have enjoyed playing my football here.

“It was such a shame to end such a memorable season with a play-off final defeat, but I’m very excited to remain a part of the squad.

"Hopefully, I can play my part in another successful season next year.

“The fans have been brilliant with me ever since I joined so I hope this news means we have started off the summer well!

"I am already looking forward to pre-season.”

Flynn is pleased to have secured Sheehan’s signature after the midfielder made 46 appearances in the 2018-2019 campaign and became a regular in the side from February onwards.

“I'm delighted Josh has extended his stay with the club,” said the Exiles boss.

“He is player that really kicked on during the second half of last season.

“He is a very talented player and is someone who fits in with my style of play of playing more football."

Goalkeeper Joe Day, defenders Dan Butler, Mark O’Brien and Mickey Demetriou and midfielders Joss Labadie and Matty Dolan are yet to decide where they will be playing their football next season.

But Flynn hopes that news of Sheehan’s deal will be swiftly followed by more members of the squad signing up.

“The rest have all been offered new contracts and talks are ongoing, but we’re close with one or two others,” he said.

"We should have more news soon."

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