NEWPORT County AFC are to ditch their base in Cardiff and return to training in Newport for the new season.

County have trained at the Cardiff University Sports Fields in Llanrumney since 2012 and announced a two-year extension to that agreement only last September.

But the Exiles have now had a change of heart and will begin pre-season training at Llanwern High School on June 30.

The school’s superb facilities include three grass pitches and an all-weather artificial third generation (3G) pitch, which were all installed as part of the school’s recent £29 million rebuild.

The club has also revealed that the players and management will be using Bar Amber as their base for the campaign.

The building at the club’s former Spytty Park home, which previously served as club bar, is currently being renovated in time for the start of pre-season.

County chief executive Dave Boddy said: “Everybody involved with Newport County is delighted that we can bring Newport County’s first team training back into the city.

“We’re also delighted to be able to extend what is already an outstanding partnership with Llanwern High School.

“We’re pleased to be able to use their first class facilities.

“It’s something we’ve been looking at for large parts of the winter and we’re delighted that it’s eventually come to fruition.

“I’m sure it will be of great benefit to both ourselves, the school and the whole community.

“To further support the move to Newport from Cardiff University the club is redeveloping Bar Amber at Spytty to become the training base.

“The building will be fully refurbished with a rehab centre, manager and staff offices, a match analysis suite and media facilities.

“The renovation, aided by generous donations from sponsors, will be finished in time for the players to report back for pre-season training on June 30.”

Llanwern High School head teacher Peter Jenkins said: “With the academy, scholarship and futsal programmes already being run at the school we are delighted to be able to confirm we are the official training and education partner with Newport County.”

Andy Knight, director of business at the school, added: “We are excited to be hosting Newport County and welcome them to Llanwern High School.

“We see the partnership being one that will benefit both Newport County and our pupils.

“Whilst Newport County will benefit from facilities amongst the best in Wales, it will be an opportunity for Newport County to support our students and to, hopefully, encourage a future generation of players.”