NEW signing Fraser Franks believes Newport County AFC will be ready to hit the ground running in League Two after a testing pre-season programme.

Franks featured in last week’s 2-2 draw in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Bristol City and played another 45 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Chippenham Town.

The centre-back will return to action in another behind-closed-doors match at Swansea City on Wednesday afternoon before further friendlies at Hereford this coming Saturday and at home to a Stoke City XI on July 28.

The Exiles then begin their league campaign at Mansfield Town on Saturday, August 4 and Franks is feeling positive about the challenge ahead.

“It’s one of the fittest teams that I’ve been in,” said the former Stevenage defender, who previously played one game on loan for County back in 2012.

“We had a good runout at Bristol City and I played in the first half of that.

“Their gaffer spoke to us afterwards and they couldn’t believe what they saw from us in that first half hour.

“We got a little bit sloppy after that but that’s what happens in pre-season games.

“I think we’re looking good and we’re on course for a good start.

“I know a couple of the boys at Swansea and I’ve heard it’s going to be a good team that they’re putting out so that will be another good test for us.”

Off the pitch, Franks is enjoying the start of his County career.

“I’ve loved it,” he said. “It’s been the easiest I’ve ever settled in to a club, from the chairman to the gaffer and all the staff.

“We’ve done a lot of stuff as a team with families. Sometimes it can be hard [to settle in]. There’s a lot of players from England and all around the country so all the families have got together and that’s made it really easy to settle.

“I’ve moved to Newport. I always do that. I like to be close to where I am and integrate with the community.”

Meanwhile, Michael Flynn says former captain Joss Labadie is still continuing his rehabilitation at the club – despite now being a free agent.

Labadie, who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has failed to agree a new contract with the Exiles but Flynn has still not ruled out a deal.

“There’s nothing to say at the moment,” said the manager. “He’s not signed a contract, he’s a free agent and I’ll be spending my budget on players that I need to get in.

“It is what it is. There’s no problem there and, like I’ve said before, until he goes anywhere [else] I won’t rule anything out. But at the moment nothing is happening and he’s a free agent.”

Flynn added: “He’s a very good professional and he’s working hard to get back as soon as he can.

“He’s a great lad and he’s never been a problem. He’s still doing his rehab here. He hasn’t gone anywhere.

“He’s not holding us to ransom. I’ll still be signing players and if that means the budget’s gone then the budget’s gone.”

Flynn also confirmed that James Bittner will be staying on as goalkeeping coach.

“It should be done this week,” he said. “He’s here and we’ve agreed everything and we’re just waiting for it to be signed and sealed.”