Scudamore marks new era for Town (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Scudamore marks new era for Town

WHEN Premier Football League chief executive and guest of honour Richard Scudamore cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new Kingshill Stadium on Saturday, it will be doubtless be remembered as one of the most significant milestones in Cirencester Town Football Clubs 113-year history.

It was, after all, the culmination of years of hard work and endeavour that finally resulted in the club able to stage their very first game at the new £2m complex.

For Town chairman Steve Abbley and general manager Anna Kocerhan, it was a long-term dream that had finally turned into reality.

With the official formalities over, a fit-looking Tottenham Hotspurs Reserves XI stepped out on to the pitch to face a keen Cirencester Town side for this inaugural fixture.

And the Towns citizens had done the local club proud as a remarkable crowd, well in excess of 1500, thronged into the stadium to see history in the making.

Some concerns, just a few short weeks ago, as to whether the pitch would actually be ready to play on thankfully proved groundless on the day.

Anna Kocerhan said, I must say an especially big thank-you to our committee as well as the ground staff for their supreme efforts in getting everything ready in time.

We had plenty of rain a month or two back, but not enough sun to get the grass growing and we were a little worried.

I must also thank all those folk from Cirencester and the surrounding areas who came to support us on this very special occasion. It made it all very worth while.

Steve Abbley commented, The people I spoke to on the day said they thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and were extremely impressed with our facilities.

In fact, had the air tattoo not been on at the same time, I think we would certainly have had a much bigger gate.

Already this week, we have received positive feedback through a number of e-mails.

Now, of course, its up to us to build on this splendid start for what is the dawning of a new era for Cirencester Town FC.

From a fans point of view, perhaps the only thing the day lacked was the scoring of a goal.

Nonetheless, Town boss Brian Hughes was well pleased with the way his side performed against a Spurs Reserves team managed by former Swindon Town player Colin Calderwood.

Hughes, who played for Swindon Town back in the 80s, said: It was a good, sporting game. We took time to settle, but once the lads realised they had nothing to fear, they gave as good as they got.

Hopefully, the experience will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

This Saturday (July 27), Cirencester Town are to entertain Barnet FC, 3pm ko (gates open 1pm). Next Thursday, August 1, Watford FC visit the Kingshill Stadium, 7.30pm ko (gates open 6pm).

For ticket enquiries, phone Anna Kocerhan on 01285 654543.