MICHAEL Flynn knows all about the soaring highs and crushing lows of life at Newport County AFC and he’s adamant that today’s League Two play-off final at Wembley will be a walk in the park compared to the 2013 victory over Wrexham.

The Exiles boss is certainly not expecting an easy game against Tranmere Rovers, but he insists that battling for a place in League One is nowhere near as stressful as fighting for a long-awaited return to the Football League.

Flynn was a player six years ago, alongside captain David Pipe and unused substitute Robbie Willmott, when County won the all-Welsh clash at the home of English football to end their 25-year exile in non-league football.

And he admits he couldn’t savour that day at all – until late goals from Christian Jolley and Aaron O’Connor secured victory.

“I didn’t enjoy the game at all, because I knew what it meant to the football club,” said the club’s hometown hero.

“They’d been out of the League for 25 years and, me being from Newport, I knew what it meant to the club, the fans and the community as a whole.

“I probably enjoyed the last seven minutes when we got the goals and I loved it afterwards, but it wasn’t a day I really enjoyed as a player because of the emotions attached to it.

“I don’t have to worry about these players,” he added. “You wouldn’t believe how relaxed they are.

“They take everything in their stride and they usually rise to the occasion.

“And, for me, this is a totally different feeling. It was desperation last time. This time, we’ve already overachieved.

“Just getting to the play-off final means it’s a very good season. If we win it, it becomes an unbelievable season.

“But we’re going there to win and hopefully we will be a League One club.”

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And if they do win today, will that be the greatest achievement of Flynn’s career?

“Yeah, you could say that,” he agreed. “If you get a promotion on your CV, it’s huge.

“I’m only two-and-a-half years into it and a lot of manager never achieve that, so hopefully I do.

“There’s never a dull moment with Newport County; there’s been some really tough times and there’s been some fantastic times.

“We’ve had the full rollercoaster and now I want to add my bit to it by getting promoted.

“We’ve had a few special moments and I want this one to top it off.”

Of all the class of 2019, top scorer Padraig Amond seems most likely to be the hero.

“It’s been a brilliant season,” said the Irish striker.

“When I was at Grimsby Town, we got promotion and I scored more goals, but this season has been the best of my career.

“It has been an unbelievable season so far, for me and the team, but promotion would top it all off and be the icing on the cake.”

Read more: We want to be Newport County legends, says Padraig Amond