MIDFIELDER Matty Dolan has followed in the footsteps of Mark O’Brien and Josh Sheehan by committing his future to Newport County AFC with a two-year contract extension.

The 26-year-old is close to a century of appearances for the Exiles in all competitions since joining the club as a free agent in the summer of 2017.

Previously with Yeovil Town, Bradford City and Hartlepool United, Dolan scored the winning penalty in last season’s play-off semi-final shootout against Mansfield Town to send County to Wembley.

And his late strike at Middlesbrough, where he started out as a trainee, earned Newport an FA Cup fourth-round replay which they won before being knocked out by Manchester City.

After putting pen to paper, Dolan spoke about how big an influence boss Michael Flynn was on getting him to stay in South Wales.

“I’m delighted to extend my stay at the club for another two seasons," said Dolan.

"I have enjoyed playing my football here and was eager to extend as soon as I could.

"The manager has been a huge part of that.

"As soon as he brought me in I knew it would be a tight group and he’s been a huge influence in me staying.

"A lot of the boys have stayed from last year so I’m glad he has managed to keep the group together.

"We were so unfortunate to lose at Wembley last month and the whole squad are already looking forward to linking up again for the new season.”

Manager Flynn added: "It's very good news Matty has re-signed.

"He is a big member of the squad and keeps the core group from last season together.

"With an injury-free season, I have no doubt Matty can help us push on again.

"Matty has always made it clear he wanted to stay and that is vital for a club like ours – he has completely bought into our ethos."

While Dolan, O’Brien and Sheehan have penned fresh terms to keep them at Rodney Parade until the end of the 2020-21 season, fans are still to hear what’s happening with three more big names.

Dan Butler opted to join League One side Peterborough United, but the futures of keeper Joe Day, defender Mickey Demetriou and midfielder Joss Labadie remain unknown.

Their contracts are set to expire at the end of this month and the longer it goes on without any news on the trio, the more likely supporters are going to fear the worst.

The signing of goalkeeper Tom King could suggest that Day, who has been linked with Cardiff City, has played his last game for County.

And the fact that boss Michael Flynn has signed four new defenders in Dan Leadbitter, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lazar Stojsavljevic and Kyle Howkins may give an indication as to Demetriou’s future.

Meanwhile, County's season ticket sales for next term have surpassed the 1,250 mark.