THE BIG KICK OFF . . .
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- Created on Saturday, 06 August 2011 10:16
- Published on Saturday, 06 August 2011 10:16
Thousands of south west football supporters will be looking forward to the start of the league season today.
Keith Millen’s Bristol City – the region’s only Championship team – kick off the new Football League season at home to Ipswich (Ashton Gate, 1500) with a doubt over left back Jamie McAllister (calf).
Both the region’s League One teams start on the road with Paul Tisdale’s young Exeter City at newly promoted Stevenage and Terry Skiverton’s Yeovil Town - including on-loan Tottenham striker Jon Obika and former Plymouth target man Rory Fallon - at Brentford.
Torquay United, beaten 1-0 by Stevenage in last season’s League Two play off final at Old Trafford, kick off the new campaign under new manager Martin Ling at home to Burton Albion (Plainmoor, 1500).
Ling is set to start with new target man Rene Howe and Billy Kee in tandem in attack but is without summer signing, former Newcastle United defender Daniel Leadbitter (hamstring).
Bristol Rovers – managed by former Torquay boss Paul Buckle – make an early, televised start to the new season at newly promoted AFC Wimbledon (Sky Sports 2, 1245) while Mark Yates’ new-look Cheltenham, including former Plymouth playmaker Luke Summerfield, begin the new term at Gillingham.
Peter Reid's new-look Plymouth Argyle - relegated from League One last season - bid to bounce back starting at Shrewsbury Town this afternoon with experienced former Oldham Athletic striker Warren Feeney set to lead the young greens' attack.
High profile pre-season friendlies include final warm-ups for Bath City at Salisbury City, Gloucester City at home to Forest Green Rovers and Truro City at home to Hednesford (Treyew Road 1500).
Suited and booted: Exeter City boss Paul Tisdale looks the part for the start of the new season (image courtesy pinnacle photo agency uk)
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