NINE new faces could be in the Town starting line-up as Peter Jackson makes an emotional McAlpine return aiming for a passion-filled victory against Cambridge tomorrow (3.00).

Jackson will be introduced to an expected 8,000-plus crowd shortly before the kick-off of a new era in which he intends to restore pride, a winning mentality and Town's Second Division status at the earliest opportunity.

The new `Billy Smith kit' will be on view for the first time as Town, led by skipper Rob Edwards, go for goals and points against John Taylor's visitors to launch the season in style.

Jackson's team plans are closely guarded as he starts his second spell at the helm, but Danny Schofield and Jonathan Stead - if he gets the nod ahead of Andy Booth - could be the only players from last season to start.

Jackson hopes more than 6,000 season-ticket holders will give a huge welcome to the new faces after Town run out to `Let me entertain you,' while Jackson himself will be introduced at 2.50 to the tune of `Football's coming home,' which fans can adapt to `Jacko's coming home' for the occasion.

Town will play `Smile Awhile' and `Those were the days' to mark Ken Davy's rescue of the club and Jackson and his team are raring to go.

"It's a massive day for us all after the near terminal problems at this club and, after a wonderful response from our fans on season-tickets, it's now up to us to deliver the goods," said Jackson, who plans to spring a few surprises from set-piece moves.

"The lads have had a real go in every training session and every pre-season game and I know they want to give it 110% tomorrow to give us the victory which would reward all that hard work and all the patience of the fans.

"They are mentally and physically prepared - the lads are tremendously fit - and the supporters have a big, big part to play in roaring them on.

"If we are to achieve anything this season it has to be with the non-stop vocal support which can help turn the McAlpine back into the fortress it used to be and, in return, I can promise the fans total commitment and passion."

Cambridge, without suspended Terry Fleming, field new signings Mark Venus, Justin Walker and skipper Stuart Bimson and look likely to play 25-goal leading marksman Dave Kitson as a lone frontman.

Jackson hopes Tony Carss and Lee Fowler can exploit the pace of Jon Newby and break them down.

"We've got goals in us and always look like scoring, but I want to see us keeping a clean sheet as well," said Jackson. "I know the lads want to do well and they are going to be big crowd favourites, I'm sure of that."

Town are selling off old stock at £10 per shirt and £1 everything else in the Portakabin tomorrow, when Fred Robinson will do the half-time draw.

Town - (probable): Gray, Booty, Yates, Sodje, Edwards, Thompson, Carss, Fowler, Schofield, Stead, Newby. Subs (from): Senior, Booth, Worthington, Scott, Hughes, Holdsworth, Thorrington.

Cambridge - Marshall, Tann, Venus, Angus, Murray, Tudor, Guttridge, Walker, Nacca, Bimson, Kitson.

Referee - Nigel Miller (Durham).

Next story