After a dire opening to the season, in every respect, but Mark Lillis has steadied the ship to produce three very welcome points at Reading after a solid, albeit losing, performance at Cardiff.

Add to that a winning start for the U21s and the confidence is building, so let’s hope for a rousing performance on Saturday from both the Town squad and the North Stand Loyals!

Who knows? We may also be unveiling our new manager by then, but the last few days have underlined how fortunate the club is in having Mark Lillis in charge of affairs.

With another 10 days available before the transfer window closes we may also be unveiling further strengthening of the squad to underline our credentials in a very tough division.

So this month still has much to deliver before we reach September and the start of supporters’ meetings, beginning with the next ATT meeting on September 2.

Next up will be a joint Heavy Woollen/HTSA/NSL meeting arranged for Monday September 8 at Millbridge, when the principal guest will be Nigel Clibbens, who should have much to tell us about his busy August! The main meeting will begin at 8pm but this will be preceded by the HTSA AGM at 7.15.

A trio of meetings will conclude with a Patrons’ meeting on September 18, with Dean Hoyle as the evening’s guest.

More routinely, the next away trip is Watford on Saturday week and the HTSA coach is due to leave the usual stadium spot at 9.30, priced at only £15 for members. There is plenty of

opportunity to book your place by calling into the St Andrew’s cabin this Saturday or next Tuesday, otherwise please ring or text our travel line number, 07905 580894.