WORCESTER City have a number of injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s Skrill North opener against Altrincham at Aggborough.
Right-back George Williams and left-back Shabir Khan are both struggling with hamstring problems, while striker Ethan Moore has a groin strain.
Manager Carl Heeley is hopeful Williams, a summer signing from Loughborough University, and Shabir will be available for selection but Moore, who has yet to sign a deal with the club, is ruled out.
Elliot Turner, another addition to the squad, suffered an eye injury during last Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw at Rushall Olympic but is expected to be fine.
Left-back Ellis Deeney is on his way back to full fitness, following an ankle injury suffered in March, having featured in the last two warm-up games, while midfielder Ashley Sammons seems to have shaken off a thigh problem.
With the new campaign just days away, Worcester are still to sign a second goalkeeper and also name a captain.
Meanwhile, chairman Anthony Hampson is hoping the deal for cheap train travel will help attract fans to Aggborough.
Season ticket holders will be able to journey to Kidderminster with operator London Midland for a reduced return rate of £3.50, down from £5.70.
Supporters need to present their season ticket at the booking office at either Foregate Street or Shrub Hill on match days.
Groups of three or four fans, including non-season ticket holders, can also take advantage of travel to home games for the price of two off-peak tickets, including on Bank Holidays.
The idea was initially floated by City fan Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who is president of the Cotswold Line Promotion Group and vice-president of the Football Conference.
Worcester chief Hampson said: “It’s potentially a tremendous boost for those loyal supporters who came down the Lane through thick and thin and we are hoping they will do the same at Aggborough while we’re involved with this ground-share.
“The rail deal is one of the ways where we can make it as easy for them as possible to come to Aggborough.”
For more details, visit worcestercityfc.com
The Supporters’ Trust are organising a fantasy football league to raise money for the club.
It costs £5 to join and non-trust members get a 10-year trust membership for free.
The players are also taking part, with striker Danny Glover co-ordinating their involvement.
Funds are split 50-50 between the trust and the three winners, with 70 per cent of the share for first place.
To join, email kev.preece@ wcfcst.co.uk
City’s supporters’ club are running a bus to the first away match of the season at Gloucester City next Tuesday.
It leaves from outside the swimming pool in Sansome Walk at 6.15pm and seats cost £10. Contact Phil Gardiner on 01905-422085 to book.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here