COLCHESTER, Town’s first away opponents of the League I campaign, are to open their new stadium with a friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
And the Monday, August 4 match-up with the Spaniards will form an important part of the Essex club’s preparations for Town’s Saturday, August 16 visit, both on and off the pitch.
It’s a crucial ‘ramp-up event’ at the 10,000 all-seater Weston Homes Community Stadium, where Town will be the first competitive visitors.
And manager Geraint Williams will be looking closely at new signings Steven Gillespie, from Cheltenham, and David Perkins, from Rochdale.
Williams paid a club-record £400,000 for former Liverpool academy striker Gillespie and £100,000 for midfielder Perkins.
Eight-times La Liga champions Bilbao visited the Galpharm in 2002, drawing 0-0 in front of a 5,541 crowd.
They take on Championship side Charlton the Saturday before the Colchester clash.
“We wanted a big name and with Bilbao being in England to play Charlton it’s ideal,” said Colchester spokesman Matt Hudson.
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell remains confident of signing Wigan’s David Cotterill on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old winger proved a big hit at Bramall Lane, where he spent the final three months of last season on loan.
And ex-Town goalkeeper and coach Blackwell, whose team come to the Galpharm for a friendly on Saturday, August 2, is keen for the Wales international to return.
