Swindon Town boss 'did not like' first time v Newport County

The Town boss went up against the Exiles twice during his stint in charge of Walsall, picking up a 1-0 win at Rodney Parade in the second game of last season, before drawing 1-1 in the reverse fixture at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Flynn said that facing the side that he both played for and managed was a difficult occasion for him last season.

He said: “It was really horrible at Rodney Parade [facing Newport]. I did not like it.

“It was the first time I had played or managed against my hometown club and I did not like the feeling, I am not going to lie.

“I had a fantastic ovation from 99 per cent of the fans there, which I will never forget.

“But the one at Walsall was just like any other game. The first one was the hardest and there is nothing that I can do about that.

“There will be people there who think a lot of me like I think a lot of them, but they would have wanted me to lose on that day.

“That is nothing personal and it is just unfortunate that it happens, but I am not the first person and I will not be the last who has had to go up against their hometown club.

“Putting aside the fact I was born there, the good times I had there, and playing there, I want to win the game tomorrow.”

Flynn is expecting a difficult test for Swindon this weekend against a manager in Graham Coughlan who is making the best of a tough situation.

He said: “It is going to be a tough game, their crowd will be very loud as the away fans get behind them and support them through thick and thin.

“Graham will have them fit and organised. He is making the best of what will be one of the smaller budgets in the league.

“I also know what that was like because me and Wayne [Hatswell] got them to the playoffs with the 23rd lowest budget in the league, so I know what he is going through.

“I have been there and done it and it is tough, so I take my hat off to him. But every club has problems and you have to get on with it.”