Football Season Guide

Manager Michael Flynn will be expected to deliver a play-off challenge for the Exiles at Rodney Parade this season. There was plenty of disappointment at the way their season tailed off last time around but they should be more than just content with a much-improved showing under Flynn. Having pulled off one of the greatest escapes from relegation on the final day of the 2016/17 season, he led the club on an exciting and lucrative run to the fourth round of the F.A. Cup. They snatched a last-minute winner to beat Leeds United before losing in a replay to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. The club reaped significant financial rewards but as is often the case it had a detrimental effect on their league form, winning just three of their last 15 games to miss out on the play-offs and finish in 11th place. The summer has seen him lose full-back Ben White, who enjoyed an impressive season on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. Midfielder Ben Tozer and striker Frank Nouble rejected the offer of new deals to join Cheltenham Town and Colchester United respectively whilst influential midfielder Joss Labadie is now out of contract as he recovers from a serious knee injury. Flynn has been busy in the transfer market with the signing of midfielder Andrew Crofts from Scunthorpe United looking to be something of a coup. Winger Charlie Cooper and striker Antonie Semenyo have both joined on season-long loans whilst the strike-force has been strengthened with the captures of Jamille Matt and Keanu Marsh-Brown. There now appears to be some stability at the club following the takeover by the Supporters Trust and the appointment of Flynn was one of their most important decisions. They can now look forward to the new season with optimism at Rodney Parade.