Sean Rigg decides to leave Newport County in order to become a tattoo artist

Sean Rigg has decided to leave Newport County to become a tattoo artist just days before the Welsh side go up against Premier League giants Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old signed with the Exiles last year and was crucial as they avoided relegation from the Football League.

However Rigg opted to leave Rodney Parade on Monday, just 48 hours before Newport take on Tottenham in their FA Cup fourth round replay.

Newport boss Michael Flynn revealed Rigg will still play football, for Conference South side Bath City, but will spend time as a tattoo artist simultaneously.

'I told Sean that I wanted him to stay,' said Flynn.

'He made his decision a while back that he wanted to go part time and pursue a career in being a tattoo artist.

'I tried to change his mind but he's a clever lad and just fell out of love with the game.

'Look, he was magnificent for me. Never caused me any problems and like I said, I wanted to keep him. He made his mind up and everything was done very amicably.'

Rigg scored two goals in 61 appearances in all competitions for the Exiles but made just 21 appearances for the club this season.

He was not involved in the first meeting with Spurs on January 27 as the League Two minnows sensationally earned a 1-1 draw.

Padraig Amond put them in front in the first half before Harry Kane equalised with eight minutes remaining to set up a replay on Wednesday night.