New-look Huddersfield Town are on course to smash a record which has stood for more than 60 years when they welcome Liverpool to the John Smith’s Stadium on Wednesday.
The Shankly Trophy showdown (7.45) is close to a sell-out.
And that means Town’s record attendance for a home friendly, 20,042 for the visit of crack Argentinian side Independiente in January 1954, is set to be beaten.
The highest friendly figure since Town left Leeds Road in 1994 is 19,044 for the centenary celebration game against Arsenal eight years ago.
Because seating is unreserved, therefore limiting the number of tickets made available, Town’s record stadium attendance of 23,678 for the FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool in December 1999 will not be bettered.
The demand to see the clash with Jurgen Klopp’s current Reds side reflects not only the stature of the opposition but also the optimism around Town, whose head coach David Wagner has brought in 12 senior signings this summer.
Wagner’s friendship with fellow German and former Borussia Dortmund colleague Klopp is well documented.
But Town’s boss, whose side won 2-0 at Oldham Athletic on Saturday, says it will be very much business as usual out on the pitch.
“It’s a big night and a big atmosphere hopefully,” he said.
“But in terms of our build-up to the new season, it’s another step towards where we have to be on August 6.”
That’s when Brentford visit in the opening Championship game.
