More than 2,000 fans had a glimpse behind the scenes at Huddersfield Town and queued patiently to meet the players.
The club threw open their doors to supporters once again – and fans turned out in droves.
Yesterday Town staged their annual Open Day and 1,600 filed through the turnstiles in the morning with hundreds more queuing in the afternoon for a squad signing session.
In the morning, with the new season just four days away, boss Mark Robins put his players through their paces on the John Smith’s Stadium pitch.
There was also the opportunity for supporters to go behind the scenes at the stadium, with fans checking out the changing rooms, testing the leather chairs in the boardroom and taking a pew in the dugout.
Town’s official team coach was also there for fans to see how the players travel in style.
Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens said it was a great day for the club and fans.
“It’s a special day for the youngsters,” he said. “It’s a chance to meet the stars you see on the pitch on a Saturday.
“Getting close up to your heroes leaves a lasting impression, and it’s a bit of fun for the players too.”
Sam Jackson, 14, of Mirfield, a Town fan since he was four, said: “It’s been a great day.
“It was good to watch the training and all looks good for the start of the season.”
Sam’s granddad John Robb, former chairman of the Heavy Woollen branch of the Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association, said: “This is brilliant for the fans.
“Town is such a great club – but then I am biased!”
The Huddersfield Daily Examiner sponsored yesterday's Huddersfield Town Open Day.
Sports Editor Mel Booth was on hand to answer questions about how the Examiner turns the latest news and sport into a newspaper and content for our website.
The Examiner was able to promote our 20 page, pre-season supplement to fans too. Examiner Marketing Executive Natasha Maskery said: "It was a great day and a wonderful chance for us to meet our Town readers.
"Our centre spread featuring the squad was particularly popular as it had space underneath for each player to sign, a great keepsake."
Dewsbury-born Town fan Nigel Hitchborn brought son Brandon, 11, down from Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire.
“This is the best thing about supporting a club like Town, you can get so close to everyone,” he said.
Town’s second season in the Championship kicks off at Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Nigel said he wanted a season of consolidation.
“We want to do better than last season and I’d like to see a more passing style of football,” he said.
Charlie Duckling, 10, also had a bit of a journey, coming from Middlesbrough with mum Alison, 36, and pal Jack Talbot, 10.
Charlie has a season ticket for both Town and Championship rivals Boro.
Asked which team was his favourite he simply grinned and shrugged.
“He can’t answer that one,” said Jack.
Cheryl I’Anson, 27, of Dalton, is a Town convert having been persuaded to switch allegiance from bitter rivals Leeds United by her boyfriend Ian Wiles, 30.
“I used to be Leeds but I’ve been a Town fan for three years now,” she said. “It’s brilliant to meet the players face to face.”
Karl Cowgill, 37, of Waterloo, brought excited sons Luke, eight, and six-year-old Sam, and nephew Finlay Barrett, six.
“They have all loved every minute,” he said.
