Paul Hurst has taken his players to Pinatar Arena near Alicante, Spain for a week-long training camp ahead of the new season.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Ipswich Town players pictured arriving at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENAThe Ipswich Town players pictured arriving at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

The Blues squad arrived on Monday and are booked in for the week at the venue on the outskirts of San Javier in south-eastern Spain, east of Murcia and an hour south from Alicante.

Recently-departed Colchester full-back is with the squad in Spain, having turned down a new deal at the Essex club, while Teddy Bishop, Andre Dozzell and Tom Adeyemi have all been pictured with the group as they continue their recovery from injury.

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The venue, which has been used by professional clubs from around the world in recent years since its opening in 2013, boasts five grass pitches at FIFA standard with dedicated areas for the club’s goalkeepers to work.

Premier League side Bournemouth are due to play two matches at the Arena later this summer, with games scheduled against Spanish teams Levante and Sevilla, while MK Dons area booked in from July 15-21. Newcastle, Reading, Leeds, Lyon, FC Twente and various international youth teams have all used the facilities in recent months.

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East Anglian Daily Times: Paul Hurst is getting to know his new squad. Picture: PINATARARENAPaul Hurst is getting to know his new squad. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Teddy Bishop, Andre Dozzell and Tom Adeyemi are all at the camp in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENATeddy Bishop, Andre Dozzell and Tom Adeyemi are all at the camp in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

The main arena has space for 3,500 spectators and is equipped with floodlights, TV production facilities, high standard changing rooms with ice baths and space for referees.

Fitness is a key part of the Blues’ trip to Spain and their base includes 900-square-metre gym as well as a spa centre including a heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and a pyhsio department. There is also an on-site beauty salon, a restaurant and a press area for media work.

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East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town have trained already this morning. Picture: PINATARARENAIpswich Town have trained already this morning. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

The week-long stay in Spain has replaced the Ireland trip which had become tradition under former manager Mick McCarthy, with Hurst pushing for the change as he begins his tenure.

There are no plans for an official friendly during the trip, although it is understood a behind-closed-doors game is likely.

Ipswich’s first pre-season game of the summer is at Braintree on July 14.

East Anglian Daily Times: The arena has a 3,500-seater stadium. Picture: PINATARARENAThe arena has a 3,500-seater stadium. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich are at their base until the weekend. Picture: PINATARARENAIpswich are at their base until the weekend. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: There is also an on-site beauty salon. Picture: PINATARARENAThere is also an on-site beauty salon. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town are spending the week at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENAIpswich Town are spending the week at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Luke Chambers gets off the bus at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENALuke Chambers gets off the bus at Pinatar Arena in Spain. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)