Flynn set for Rodney Parade return as Jardim reveals bond with ex-boss

Mike Flynn has praised the work of Nelson Jardim as he prepares to face former club Newport County.

Cheltenham Town boss Flynn made his name at the Exiles, first as a player with his hometown club, then as the manager who orchestrated a 'Great Escape' from relegation to non-league before FA Cup upsets over Leeds United and Leicester City.

The former postman also delivered two play-offs finals in his five years in charge before leaving in October in 2021.

Spells at Walsall and Swindon Town followed, but he will return to Rodney Parade with Cheltenham having struck up a friendship with the man who now occupies the County hot-seat, Jardim.

Jardim, whose side are on a six game unbeaten run, revealed the pair have chatted football over dinner together, and said: "He's a manager who knows the club very well.

"He's someone I like, he's been great with me and we talk a lot.

"He's been there whenever I need, he's been great to me. He's a local boy, he knows this club better than anyone else. He knows it inside out, but when we talk we don't talk about Newport, we talk about the league, other clubs, other players."

And Flynn knows, it seems, that Jardim deserves praise.

"Nelson has done a really good job," said Flynn, part of the team that won promotion to the Football League in 2013. "I know how tough it is: limited budgets, a big overhaul in the summer. I can't speak highly enough of him, he's done excellent. I hope he has a blip (on Saturday) and then carries on his good work."

County are 15th in League Two, with Cheltenham one point better off in 14th, while also having a game in hand.