HUDDERSFIELD Town will consider big-screen Galpharm coverage of their FA Cup-tie against Chelsea following a quickfire sell-out of tickets.
In the biggest rush for seats since the play-off final in Cardiff, Town yesterday sold their 6,184 allocation in just seven hours.
Telephone lines to the stadium jammed after fans queued from 4.30am for tickets to the third-round tie against the Premiership champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, January 7.
Demand was such that the possibility of a big screen to show the game live in Huddersfield is being discussed by club officials.
"It appears there is no chance of getting extra tickets from Chelsea, so we are pondering the big-screen idea," said Town chief executive Andrew Watson.
"It's not straightforward, however, as we need permission from the Football Association and from Chelsea and we also have to share the revenue with them.
"When all the risk would be ours - and it costs around £20,000 to set up the big screen - it is something we will have to consider closely.
"The response yesterday, however, was fantastic and we would like to thank fans for their patience and support."
Town last had a big screen for the play-off semi-final away leg against Lincoln last year which followed a similar screening of the ill-fated League match at Cheltenham in which Town failed to win automatic promotion.
Sales yesterday were open only to season-ticket holders (Town have around 9,000), Patrons and Blue & White Foundation members and, at one stage, the queue stretched into the St Andrews Road car park as fans waited up to four and a half hours for tickets.
"When the queue finally disappeared at 4.30pm, we had only four tickets left and those were quickly sold," said ticket office manager Sue Beaumont.
"It was unbelievable and we just wish we had more tickets, because we know a lot of people will be disappointed to have missed out.
"Those who came and queued yesterday were brilliant and I'd also like to thank our staff, who did a magnificent job."
Manager Peter Jackson is delighted his League I challengers will have maximum support against Jose Mourinho's side, who had Frank Lampard voted second to Ronaldinho in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
"It's great," said Jackson. "Tickets sold out in a flash and that shows the commitment of our fans.
"It's a tremendous credit to them - they were very patient queueing up for much of the day - and also to Sue Beaumont and her staff in handling such a rush."
