FOR many Worcester City fans, today’s Skrill North curtain-raiser against Altrincham at Aggborough (3pm) will almost be like setting foot on foreign soil.
After years of journeying to St George’s Lane, travelling the 15 miles up the A449 to Kidderminster to watch Carl Heeley’s side in action this season will be unfamiliar.
The club, however, have put in plenty of groundwork since leaving their treasured home of more than a century to ensure the transition runs as smoothly as possible.
“We have been over there a few times and everything is falling into place for the season,” said City vice-chairman Colin Layland.
Not all areas of Harriers’ home will be open to City fans but most facilities will be the same as if Kiddermin-ster were playing at home.
Due to cost and anticipated lower crowds, only two sides of the stadium will be open for Worcester home matches – the main stand and the north end terrace.
Should segregation be needed – with the club expecting to need crowd control for the visits of Telford United and Stockport County in Nov-ember and February respectively – the south stand terrace will also be opened. The east stand will not be used.
When it comes to food, Harriers’ catering outlets will be in operation, including serving their famous pies. Although revealed as the most expensive in British football following a survey in 2012, the cuisine remains popular with fans and players alike.
When defending the price last year, catering manager Brian Murdoch said Nigel Clough had ordered 20 for his squad while in charge of Burton Albion.
The bar in the main stand will also be available for Worcester supporters to use although the Harriers Arms pub on the site is privately run and may not be open.
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