Last season a gate of 11,041 saw them play Hartlepool on opening day and commercial staff at Brunton Park are confident that another five-figure could be attracted to the ground this weekend, boosted by hot weather and a group of new signings headed by Carlisle-born Paul Simpson. York finished just outside the play-offs last season and will bring an estimated 1,000 fans up to Brunton Park. New manager Chris Brass will be taking charge of his first match and he will be on the pitch directing the action after being named as the youngest manager in the Football League earlier in the summer. The Minstermen have experienced a summer of financial crisis following the successful rescue bid mounted by their Supporters' Trust at the end of last season. With the travelling fans and the early August heatwave, United's general manager Paul Bell spoke today of his belief that the new season will get off to a bumper start. "We have sold more than 1,500 season tickets and York reckon they will bring over 1,000. And I'm praying that the heatwave will continue because that could add well over 1,000 if not more. Hopefully it could add up to 10,000", he said today. The club are operating an all-ticket policy again this season so fans are advised to turn up early on Saturday afternoon to be sure of securing their place and avoiding what could be lengthy queues. Alternatively, they can buy tickets at the main ticket office from Thursday. The one bit of bad news for United this week was confirmation that a rib injury is likely to keep versatile winger Brendan McGill out of action for up to three weeks. McGill had been in top form during the pre-season games and his absence will be a blow to manager Roddy Collins. Already he is without defender Des Byrne who has damaged anjkle ligaments and may not be back until mid-September. The Irish boss will have to choose between Richie Foran, Brian Wake, new signing Steve Livingstone and last season's top scorer Craig Farrell up front. Midfield battler Mark Summerbell is suspended and will miss the opening match. Summer signing Chris Billy is expected to start, possibly alongside Simpson. Skipper Peter Murphy looks like being fit after missing a part of the pre-season build-up through injury. Picture from News & Star |
