By Adam Evans
NEWPORT County manager Michael Flynn is looking forward to what Joe Ledley can bring to the Exiles after his recent signing.
Ledley has signed a contract with the Welsh club until the end of the 2020/21 season.
He was a consistent and a vital figure in Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, which he featured in every match and has over 500 career appearances under his belt.
And, Flynn is rubbing his hands with hope about what the midfielder can bring to Newport’s play-off push, with just eleven games of the season left.
Flynn said :”He will bring quality, he has played at the highest level and has got 77 caps for Wales which is a fantastic achievement.
“He has played for some big, big clubs; Crystal Palace, Celtic and Cardiff, so he has a wealth of experience on and off the pitch.
“He will be a big asset to the boys because he has been there, seen it and done it.”
“Joe has trained with us before, he knows the majority of the lads, so we know he is comfortable in the environment which he fitted in well last time.
“Now it will be even better because he’s here. He will be trying all he can for us to be where we want to be.
“It is a great opportunity for us to work with a very, very experienced player.”
Ledley was training with Newport’s league two counterparts Bristol Rovers before he put pen to paper at Rodney Parade with a number of clubs in the division also keen to secure his signature.
And the Welsh international is happy to be back playing his club football on Welsh soil.
“I’m delighted. I moved back last year to Cardiff, so to be on my doorstep and having the opportunity to play for Newport is a great honour,” said Ledley.
“I was at Bristol (Rovers) for a few weeks and for some reason that didn’t work out, but I had a few other offers and when Newport came in that was where I wanted to be.
The 34-year-old trained with County for a short stint last year whilst seeking for a club.
“It’s a perfect location for me. I know the manager, the players well and the chairman, so it was me paying back to them what they done for me last year with training and giving me the opportunity to come and keep fit.
Newport have an array of youngsters in their side with the likes of Aaron Lewis, Jack Evans and Lewis Collins.
With Ledley’s wealth of knowledge, he is more than happy to mentor those to do the right thing in order to help their game progress.
“It’s basically down to them at the end of the day, it’s not down to me. I can give them advice and that depends on them whether they take it on board.
“It has happened a few times when I have spoke to a player to tell them what to do, then a few moments later they do the complete opposite.
“I will be there to help and give advice, I always will but it is down to those youngsters to take it on board and hopefully learn.
“That is what you need to do as a young player, you need to learn and listen to the coaches and to the senior players.”
Ledley could make his Newport debut at his old stomping ground that is the Cardiff City Stadium as Leyton Orient travel to South Wales, however, this is subject to international clearance.
