NEWPORT County top scorer Frank Nouble almost made the switch to the Energy Check County Ground this summer, according to Swindon Town manager David Flitcroft.

Nouble, who has totted up a total of seven goals and three assists for the Welsh side so far this season, after joining the club from Southend United.

Town manager Flitcroft worked with the former West Ham United and Chelsea man during his time at Barnsley and admitted the 26-year-old almost signed for Swindon.

Had he have put pen to paper, that would’ve been a second spell in Wiltshire for Nouble, after he had a loan stint in 2010.

“I’ve worked with Frank and we were very close to getting him here,” said Flitcroft.

“At the start of the season I spoke to him and he didn’t have the energy and enthusiasm for the game, when I worked with him before.

“I spoke to him about his cause and he’s just had a child, so you can see it was the one thing which was sparking him and making him fire up again.

“Newport came in and took him, he has had a fantastic season and it’s a different Frank, he is playing for a cause.”

Flitcroft was also quick to praise the impact of his opposite number, as he admits he is impressed by the momentum Michael Flynn has created at Rodney Parade.

“It is great for young coaches and players when they hit the Ground running, you don’t know if you can do it until you step into their shoes,” he added.

“Flynn has gone in and done it, he looks like he enjoys what he does and that will reflect on the players, they have had brilliant results.

“That momentum has certainly carried them forward this season into play-off contenders and maybe more.

“He’s done a fantastic job and his team certainly reflect his passion and enthusiasm for football.''

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