NEWPORT County AFC players old and new were put through their paces on the first day of pre-season training today.

Manager Michael Flynn and his staff oversaw physical tests in the gym area at the club’s newly refurbished training base at the old Bar Amber site at Spytty Park.

And then the action moved to Cwmbran Stadium where the players were put to work on the running track on a hot and humid July afternoon.

New signings Tom King, Dan Leadbitter, Marvel Ekpiteta, Kyle Howkins, Lazar Stojsavljevic and Corey Whitely were all in attendance.

They joined Joss Labadie, Josh Sheehan, Matty Dolan and Mark O’Brien – who have all signed new contracts to stay at Rodney Parade this summer – and the rest of last season’s squad.

It’s the first time the squad has got together since the aftermath of the League Two play-off final defeat to Tranmere Rovers at Wembley on May 25.

Winger Keanu Marsh-Brown was also involved, despite being on duty with Guyana at the Gold Cup in the USA until last week.

Flynn hopes to confirm the signing of another player tomorrow before the squad depart for a special training camp next week.

The first team’s opening pre-season friendly will be against League One club Shrewsbury Town in Ludlow on Wednesday, July 17.

Flynn’s men then head to Bath City on Friday, July 19, and Weston-super-Mare on Monday, July 22, before hosting Chelsea under-23s at Spytty Park on Wednesday, July 24, in a friendly to raise money for the recently retired Fraser Franks.

The Exiles are also scheduled to send sides to Undy AFC on July 16, Merthyr Town on July 23 and Chippenham Town on July 30.

And supporters will be able to make an emotional return to the Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh next week.

A County XI, made up mainly of youth team players, will take on Moreton Rangers in a friendly at London Road on Friday, July 12 (kick-off 7pm).

The reformed Newport AFC played their home games at the home of Moreton Town, who went bust during the 1994-1995 season, in their first campaign in the Hellenic League (1989-1990).

The friendly will mark the 30th anniversary of the club’s rebirth following the demise of the original Newport County in February 1989.

John Relish’s side played their first competitive match at Moreton on August 19, 1989, with Norman Parselle scoring the only goal in a 1-0 ‘home’ win over Pegasus Juniors in front of 594 fans.

Pictures: Nicola Johns (@nicnacnoopixs) courtesy of Newport County AFC 

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