Matty Dolan has committed to Newport County for another two years.
Dolan was out of contract with the Exiles, but has a signed a new two-year deal to stay at Rodney Parade until 2021.
He was part of the team who lost the League Two play-off final against Tranmere Rovers and says: “I’m delighted to extend my stay at the club for another two seasons. I have enjoyed playing my football here and was eager to extend as soon as I could.
“The manager (Michael Flynn) 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 season so I’m glad he has managed to keep the group together.
“We were so unfortunate to lose out at Wembley last month and the whole squad are already looking forward to linking up again and for the season to roll back around. Up the County.”
The 26-year-old has delivered some special moments during his time with the Exiles – making County history last season with his late equaliser against his hometown club Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and scoring the winning penalty in the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final against Mansfield Town.
The midfield player has made 89 appearances so far in Amber, scoring six goals.
“Matty is a big member of the squad and keeps the core group from last season together,” says manager Michael Flynn.
“With an injury free season, I have no doubt Matty can help us push on again.
“Matty always made it clear he wanted to stay – he has completely bought into our ethos.”
Newport County play Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium, Kent in the first round of the 2019-20 Carabao Cup.
The tie is due to take place a few days after the club’s opening home league fixture of the season against Mansfield Town at Rodney Parade on Saturday, August 3.
Newport County ins, outs and staying:
New signings
Daniel Leadbitter
Lazar Stojsavljevic
Kyle Howkins
Tom King (gk)
Marvel Ekpiteta
Released:
Tyler Forbes
Andrew Crofts
Will Randall
Retired
David Pipe
Loans expired
Regan Poole (Manchester United)
Tyreeq Bakinson (Bristol City)
Harry McKirdy (Aston Villa)
Moved on
Dan Butler (to Peterborough)
Under contract:
Matty Dolan
Josh Sheehan
Mark O’Brien
Nick Townsend
Jay Foulston
Scot Bennett
Robbie Willmott
Keanu Marsh-Brown
Momodou Touray
Lewis Collins
Adebayo Azeez
Padraig Amond
Jamille Matt
Newport County FC fixtures
Pre-season
July
Tues 16 v Undy (A) 7pm
Weds 17 v Shrewsbury Town (A) 7pm
Fri 19 v Bath City (A) 7pm
Mon 22 v Weston-super-Mare (A) 7pm)
Weds 24 v Chelsea under-23 (Newport Stadium, 7pm)
The Exiles 2019/20 early League fixtures:
August
Sat 3 – Mansfield (H)
Sat 10 – Cambridge United (A)
Sat 17 – Plymouth Argyle (H)
Tues 20 – Walsall (A)
Sat 24 – Crewe Alexandra (H)
Sat 31 – Forest Green Rovers (A)
September
Sat 7 – Port Vale (H)
Sat 14 – Northampton Town (A)
Tues 17 – Macclesfield Town (A)
Sat 21 – Exeter City (H)
Sat 28 – Swindon Town (A)