NEWPORT County boss Warren Feeney believes heading to Poland for pre-season will help the Exiles hit the ground running when they kick-off their League Two campaign against Mansfield.

The Exiles will travel to Lubin in the south west of the country on Sunday and will play KS Polkowice, who play in Poland’s second tier, on Wednesday, July 13 (kick-off 5pm).

They will then enjoy a clash with FC Hradec Kralove, who were promoted to the Czech Republic Premier League side as champions last season, on Saturday, July 16 (kick-off 11am) in the Polish city of Wałbrzych.

Feeney believes the tour will be crucial to help his new squad bond ahead of a EFL season that gets under way against Mansfield at Rodney Parade on Saturday, August 6.

"I'm delighted that the club and the board have backed us in organising this tour,” he said.

"The trip will be a great opportunity to get all the players together, which will be a great benefit to us with all the new faces that have come in over the course of the summer.

"Getting pre-season preparations right is crucial, as it is an important time to get your organisation done before the start of the season.

"The squad will be undertaking intense training sessions while out in Poland and will benefit from the two games planned out there.

“Pre-season is all about getting the players fit and prepared for the coming season and I'm sure this tour will provide that opportunity."

The Exiles get their pre-season under way at Caldicot Town on Friday night (kick-off 7pm) and on their return from Poland take on Undy Athletic, Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City away and welcome Coventry City to Spytty Park.

County's pre-season fixture with Ton Pentre AFC has also been rearranged for Thursday, July 28 (kick-off 7.15pm).

The Brian Lomax Cup encounter at Ynys Park has been pushed back as the original date clashed with Wales' semi-final with Portugal at Euro 2016.

Newport County pre-season fixtures:

  • Friday, July 8 – Caldicot Town (away, kick-off 7pm)
  • Wednesday, July 13 – KS Polkowice (KS Polkowice Stadium, kick-off 5pm)
  • Saturday, July 16 – FC Hradec Kralove (Walbrzych Stadium, kick-off 11am)
  • Thursday, July 21 – Undy Athletic (away, kick-off 6.45pm)
  • Saturday, July 23 – Coventry City (Spytty Park, kick-off 3pm)
  • Thursday, July 28 - Ton Pentre (away, kick-off 7.15pm)
  • Saturday, July 30 – Forest Green Rovers (away, kick-off 3pm)
  • Monday, August 1 – Gloucester City (away, kick-off 7pm)