Former Notts County midfielder Joss Labadie is hoping to stay at Newport County despite their play-off final defeat at the weekend.
Tranmere sealed promotion to League One at Wembley by overcoming Michael Flynn’s side 1-0 courtesy of a last-ditch Connor Jennings goal in extra time.
Newport are now trying to build for another promotion push in League Two next season and Labadie, a transfer target for Notts under Harry Kewell, is one of several players out of contract.
However the midfielder is hoping to remain at the club having hailed the spirit at Rodney Parade.
“I mean everyone knows I love the club, it gave me another chance to come back,” said Labadie who made more than 40 appearances for the Magpies.
“I love it here, and we’re going in the right direction.”
“We’ve got a great bunch of lads, the best I’ve ever played with, and if the manager can keep the nucleus of the squad together there’s no reason why we can’t go one better next year.
“The gaffer said we should be really proud of our achievements this year because no-one expected us to get this far.
“We’ve gone from strength to strength since the gaffer has come in, from staying up with the last kick of the game against Notts County to a highest finish the year after and a play-off final this year.
“If you’d offered this to us at the start of the season most people would have snapped your hand off.”
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