At last, the new season is upon us.
The pre-season is done, the season-ticket offer has ended and the new season kicks off on Friday night at Craven Cottage, as Fulham host newly-relegated Newcastle United.
Of course, we pick up where we left off at the end of the last season, hosting Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
I’m not sure if this has ever happened in fixture-setting history – that the last fixture of the previous season becomes the first of the next season – I’ll leave it to the statisticians among you to let us know – it should make interesting reading!
Mel Booth's video verdict on the big kick-off:
Much discussion, and focus, no doubt, will centre on all the (many) new Town players that will be making their league debuts on Saturday, and indeed how many players who played the last game of last season will start the first game of this.
By my reckoning, we’ll have a new goalkeeper, at least two new defenders, at least two midfielders, and possibly at least two strikers, now that Nahki Wells seems to be out.
Most of the reports I read on social media regarding pre-season suggest that Town’s recruitment will make us a harder team to break down and beat, but still with the seemingly perennial
problem of a lack of firepower.
As someone once said: “Pre-season doesn’t count for anything.”
I think we’ll know by the end of Saturday evening, one way or the other.
I understand ticket sales for Newcastle and Aston Villa away are selling well – we still have a few places left on our coaches to both matches, priced at only £14 for HTSA members (or £16 for non-members).
Departure times will be 11am on the 13th and 4pm on the 16th, from our usual place at the stadium.
To guarantee your seat, please ring our Travel Line on 07905 580784 or email Bob Pepper on repepper.rep@gmail.com.
Otherwise, you could call into the cabin prior to the Brentford game.
This week marked the 50th Anniversary of England winning the World Cup, and Town’s third kit is to be red this season, to commemorate England’s win and our very own Ray Wilson’s involvement. While an interesting idea, I think a lot of fans will be spoilt for choice, what with three new kits, and then the Foundation kit to come – I hope we don’t end up like other clubs, changing our kit every year – they’re not cheap, think of the children!
Talking of kids, did you know they, too, can join HTSA (Under 13) for just £3 a year.
If your membership is due to renew soon, or has lapsed, please get in touch or call and see us at the cabin.
You can pay in a number of ways now – cash, cheque, electronic banking, PayPal, and even by annual standing order. Check out our website for more details: www.htsa-online.co.uk .
If you’d like to know more and get involved with us, email our Chairman, Ian Lawrence on chair@htsa-online.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you with more details.
Remember, we are active on your behalf, all the year round.
Right, I’m off to get my Newcastle ticket for my first “howay” match of the season. UTT.
