Greg Cunningham thinks the six-day training camp in Spain has been “priceless” for the PNE squad as they prepare for the new season.
North End have spent the past week in Alicante, training daily in the warm weather conditions, as well as facing La Liga side Getafe in a friendly.
While the physical benefits of a week in the heat are obvious, Greg feels it has done the team just as much good off the pitch too.
“It’s priceless,” he said. “You’re working hard in the heat and everyone’s pulling in the right direction.
“We’re around each other 24/7 so we’re gelling quite quickly and it’s great for the new boys because when you’re at home and you finish training at whatever time, you’re back at home around your families, whereas here you’re gelling together, you’re eating together.
“It’s been a great trip.”
PNE were joined by hundreds of supporters on Tuesday morning when Getafe came to Campoamor.
Many had lined up on the sidelines during the warm ups, while the supporter-organised coaches arrived just ahead of kick-off, and a huge flock of fans came rushing down the hill, chanting North End songs.
Greg said: “It was class. There’s a hill down to the pitches and at the start of the game there was a great crowd and it just felt like the floodgates opened, roaring as they come down the hill so it was great.
“The support everywhere we go has always been fantastic but I suppose you don’t really expect it when you’re away in Spain but they turned up in their numbers, fair play to them.”
The defender also praised the supporters for their backing of the season card campaign, with over 11,500 people having signed up for the new Championship season.
“It’s amazing,” added Greg. “I’ve always said since I’ve been at this club that the support both home and away has been fantastic.
“Just under 12,000 season tickets sold is incredible, and we’re very appreciative of the support.
“We’re hoping we can do our bit on the pitch and the fans can do their bit too to spur us on this season.”
There’s still three pre-season fixtures to navigate before the league gets underway, though, starting with Saturday’s short trip to face Accrington Stanley.
While admitting friendlies are about getting fit and ready for match action, Greg of course also wants to walk off the pitch with a win.
Greg said: “You want to get in good habits of winning games and putting in the performances.
“Pre-season is about fine tuning game plans for the season ahead and getting more minutes in the tank.
“It’ll be a good test for us. They’re off the back of an impressive result against Stoke so it’ll be a good game for us and a good opportunity for everyone to impress the manager for the season ahead, to showcase what you can do and getting those minutes into the legs is invaluable.”