Michael Flynn is Newport County manager for the next two years.
Flynn’s appointment has been confirmed by the club and he said: “Nothing makes me prouder than to take charge of my hometown club.”
Newport-born Flynn, 34, kept Newport in League Two thanks to seven wins in 12 matches under his caretaker command.
He starts his job immediately, while coach Wayne Hatswell and consultant Lennie Lawrence are also staying with County.
Flynn has the summer to build towards the 2017-18 season and his task is to build on recent momentum and ensure the club moves forward.
“I’m delighted to be named manager,” said Flynn. “Nothing makes me prouder.
“When I took over as caretaker manager in March, I said I felt ready for the challenge and that’s still true.
“What we’ve achieved with this group of lads has been unbelievable, but I never want this club to be in that situation again.
“I’m ready to push on now and take this team forward.”
Newport chairman of operations Gavin Foxall said:”The decision to appoint Michael on a permanent basis was an easy one for directors.
“From the outset he has performed in an impressive manner in every area. Michael’s record and what he has achieved on the pitch in such a short period of time is phenomenal.
“The fans have been through some really tough times this season. We want Rodney Parade to be like it was on the last game of the season every week and I’m hoping we’ll give them more to cheer about next season. They deserve that for sticking by us all this time.”
Flynn will register as a player next season, but admits he is unlikely to play.
“It will just be an emergency if anything happens,” he says. “You can take it I am retiring because unless we have a horrendous run of injuries then I won’t be doing anything.
“It’s a new chapter in Michael Flynn’s career and its management not football.
“I’m not going to say I am a miracle worker and we are going to win the league by 10 points. I am honest it’s going to be a tough job, but an exciting job.
“We have to get recruitment right. We need payers in who will take us up the league. We are already having a chat about targets and what we think we need.
“For me there was not enough pace in the team so we need to increase that around the pitch.”
Former Cardiff City manager Lawrence will again be at Flynn’s side next season and says: “If you are at a club like Newport it has to be more than a job. It’s a young man’s game unless you are at the top. You have to have a good work ethic.
“The fact that he’s local, started and finished his career here, is a big advantage. He knows the club he knew the players. Now he has to show skills in a recruitment department.”