“WE need your support at Aggborough,” — that’s the rallying call from manager Carl Heeley as Worcester City prepare to kick-off the new season.
Following the most turbulent summer in the club’s history, which saw them leave St George’s Lane and move to their temporary home at Kidderminster Harriers, City take on Altrincham in Skrill North tomorrow (3pm).
With their new-look squad and unfamiliar surroundings, it is the moment of truth for Worcester and their fans.
More than 500 have snapped up season tickets, the majority at £100 a time, and Heeley wants as many supporters as possible to make the journey up the A449.
He feels it is the least Worcester deserve after the tireless work of volunteers to keep the club afloat in recent months.
“We need support throughout the season and we need our fans to come out,” the City boss said.
“I would like to think that, with all the hard work behind the scenes, people will see the club has got some spirit and support us.
“It’s been a really tough summer but we are about to kick-off and there is light at the end of the tunnel. There’s a long way to go but our destiny is in our own hands.”
That task rests with a young squad assembled over the summer, some of whom will be tasting football in non-league’s second tier for the first time.
But the likes of striker Aaron Williams and midfielder Elliot Turner have played professionally for Walsall and Shrewsbury respectively and will be relishing the opportunity to link up with player-of-the-year Tom Thorley and striker Danny Glover.
Left-back Shabir Khan, right-back George Williams (both hamstring) and striker Ethan Moore (groin) have all improved but centre-half Sam Smith needs knee surgery and will be out for around a month.
The former Stourbridge defender, who is suspended for the first three games, sustained the problem in the pre-season draw at Westfields.
In Altrincham, City face one of the promotion favourites who have strengthened their squad following last season’s run to the play-offs.
Although forward Duncan Watmore made a shock move to Premier League Sunderland, boss Lee Sinnott has added midfielder Danny Boshell and striker James Walshaw from Guiseley and ex-Kidderminster winger Brian Smikle.
Heeley added: “It’s technically a home game for us.
“But it’s not a major advantage because we are not used to playing at Aggborough either.
"We were on the pitch for an hour the other evening but it will take time to adjust to our new surroundings.
“It’s a new era for us but, as for preparing for Altrincham, we won’t do anything different.
“They are a good side and proved that last season by getting into the play-offs.”
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