NEW signing Fraser Franks believes Newport County AFC have a “great chance” to challenge for promotion next season.

The League Two fixtures for the 2018-2019 campaign will be revealed at 9am tomorrow morning and Franks is excited about what lies ahead for his new team.

The 27-year-old centre-back has previously won promotion with AFC Wimbledon, Welling United and Luton Town and he’s hoping to add a fourth success with County.

The Exiles finished in 11th place last season – 11 points off the top seven – but Franks feels the ingredients are there for a play-off push.

“You go into a season with a lot of hope,” he told iFollow Exiles. “It’s clear that the club is on an upward trajectory now so hopefully I can come in and keep improving the team following what the boys did last year.

“I think we just need to go into every game to try and win it.

“I’ve seen what it takes to achieve promotion – I’ve had it a few times during my career so far – and if we can get the right team-spirit, the right togetherness and the boys all work hard for each other then we have a great chance next season.

“As a squad I think everyone would be delighted if we could get into the play-offs,” he added.

“Any progression on what the club achieved last season would be a bonus.

“The boys did really well but, like I said, if you’ve got a good team spirit – which I believe we’ve got here – then I think that could win a lot of points on its own.

“The gaffer had a lot of good things to say so I think it’s a good time to be at Newport County AFC and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Franks will compete with Mickey Demetriou, Mark O’Brien, Scot Bennett and Jay Foulston for a place at the heart of the County defence but he can also fill in at full-back.

“I’d like to think of myself as a defender that works hard and puts his body on the line to try and help the team keep clean sheets,” he said.

“I do like to play but the main thing is that I’m a defender first and foremost. I kick it, I head it, I tackle and I will give my all to the football club.

“I would like to feel that I am comfortable playing in any position and any system. I’ve played with a three at the back previously in my career, but I’ve also played in a four as well.

“I would like to see myself as a person that can chip in with a few goals as well,” he added.

“Most defenders will try and target five goals a season so if I can get in and around that then I would be happy.”

Flynn described his first signing of the summer as a leader and Franks, a former England C captain, is keen to pass on his experience to the younger members of the squad.

“No matter what club you’re playing for, you should always have personal pride and I want to be the best player in every training session and every match,” he said.

“I want to bring others along as well – I would like to think that I have developed myself into a leader, hopefully I can improve players whilst I’m here as well.

“I know there are a lot of good young players here at Newport so I would like to work with them and be that kind of player as well.”