Cheltenham Town is poised to name Michael Flynn as their new head coach, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. The 43-year-old, who has managed Newport County AFC, Walsall, and Swindon Town in the past, is set to take over the role. Following an interview on Monday alongside two other contenders, Flynn is anticipated to succeed Darrell Clarke at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, working under the newly-appointed director of football Gary Johnson.
It is believed that Aaron Downes will be part of Michael Flynn’s coaching staff at Cheltenham Town. Downes, a former centre-back, captained Cheltenham during their 2015/16 National League title-winning season and later worked as the head of coaching at Whaddon Road. He has since served as Gary Johnson’s assistant at Torquay United, taking over as caretaker manager in February before departing at the end of the National League South season.
Newport-born Flynn began his playing career with his hometown club County, going on to represent Wigan Athletic, Gillingham, Blackpool, Huddersfield Town, and Bradford City. He was appointed caretaker manager of Newport in March 2017 and oversaw a remarkable escape from relegation to the National League, securing safety with a final day victory over Notts County. The role became permanent that summer, with Flynn signing a two-year deal.
During his tenure at Newport, which spanned 250 games, Flynn guided the club to the League Two play-off final in both 2018/19 and 2020/21, but they were defeated at Wembley by Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe respectively. There were also memorable FA Cup ties against Tottenham, Leicester City, Middlesbrough, and Manchester City. Flynn took over at Walsall in February 2022 and they enjoyed a 1-0 win over leaders Forest Green in his first game, ending Rovers’ 19-match unbeaten run.
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