THE ice baths may not be a favourite among the squad but the rest of Dragon Park’s facilities have been getting a big thumbs-up from the Newport County AFC players and staff.

It was revealed last week that the League Two club had struck a deal to use the National Football Development Centre as their training base after Spytty Park’s Bar Amber was hit by a fire.

“It’s brilliant,” said new signing Fraser Franks. “It’s state-of-the-art with ice baths and everything and we’ve got the swimming pool across the road and the new One Gym as well, so that’s all we can ask for really as League Two players.

“When I signed for the club the manager showed me around there and told me what the plans were and it is impressive.

“I think once we are hopefully permanently based there and on the main pitch there’s not many teams in the league with the same facilities that we’ve got so that gives us half a chance.

“Some of the boys don’t like the ice baths but we’re forced to go in there and it’s all part of the recovery.”

Opened in 2013, the £5million facility was funded with investment from UEFA, the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Sport Wales and FIFA.

Flynn, who completed his UEFA Pro Licence at Dragon Park, and his team will have access to two grass outdoor pitches, a 3G pitch and a suite of changing areas that includes a physio room and four ice baths.

“It’s a big boost,” added Flynn. “I can’t wait to get back on there now. It’s not every day but it’s the majority of the time when both pitches are available.

“It’s a little bit frustrating at the moment because they’re redeveloping pitch two but we’ve got other options and this season it will be a much better training facility (than we’ve had previous).

“We’re mixing and matching a few places at the moment because Spytty is not ready until next week.

“We’re trying to build relationships and it’s healthy that we get to use different pitches because we’re not just pounding one non-stop and it gives them all a breather.”

Speaking further about the long-term benefit of forging links with Dragon Park, he added: “It’s huge for us.

“It’s been brilliant and we’ve struck up a great relationship.

“They’ve been so helpful to us and it’s a real positive sign for the club going forward.

“I’d like to thank them and the chairman for his hard work in organising it.”

Meanwhile, County are playing a behind-closed-doors friendly at Swansea City this afternoon before a team of youth players and trialists travel to take on Welsh League Division One outfit Penybont this evening.