A little under three months after the 2009-10 season ended in disappointment at the Don Valley Stadium, Shots supporters everywhere will be among the thousands of football fans across the globe - all of whom will be brimming with the unique optimism that each new season brings - all will fancy their club's chances with this being their season. There'll be the ups and downs, the good and the poor and come next May, we'll all be ready for a rest but between then and now, one thing is certain, Shots fans everywhere will be clinging on to the roller-coaster for another exciting ride.
Having moved from having just twelve players on the club's books just weeks ago, Shots manager Kevin Dillon has assembled a squad that he confidently predicts will be stronger than the one he worked with last season and with the ever-improving aura that is surrounding the club, the boss told The Stray Shots: "Unless there are any injuries in the week, the team [that will face Accrington] is already in my mind, definitely.
"You couldn't have asked for a better pre-season. We've conceded one goal [against Colchester United] and we've scored eighteen goals and we've only had the one real injury - which was just down to bad luck.
"Overall it's been a terrific pre-season but we've got Accrington on Saturday and that will really determine how well we've done - how we start against them."
Shots team news
With the lifting of an FA imposed player registration embargo earlier this week, Stanley manager John Coleman has concentrated his efforts with on-the-field matters saying: "We're changing our system slightly because we've lost so many forwards. Hopefully I'll bring one, maybe two forwards in before the season starts and possibly another central defender.
"Full credit to the players who stayed, I think they realised we underachieved a bit towards the end of last season. I think one or two of them want to prove the ones who left wrong."
Stanley from: Matthew Ince, Ian Dunbavin, Josh Molloy, Alex Cisak, Leam Richardson, Andrew Procter, Luke Joyce, Ray Putterill, Phil Edwards, Jimmy Ryan, Dean Winnard, Chris Turner, Sean McConville, Peter Murphy, Alan Burton, Adam Black, Zack Riley, Craig Linfield, Rory Boulding, Jonny Bateson, Andy Parkinson, Sean Hessey, Charlie Barnett and Michael Hall.
Taking charge
Jock Waugh will be taking charge of the match. He will be assisted by Marc Duncan and Gary Hilton. Nicholas Greenhalgh is the fourth official.
Tickets & travel
The capacity of the Fraser Eagle Stadium is 5057. There is no information regarding the size of the away end, however the match is not all ticket and Shots supporters can pay at the turnstiles on the day.
Entry prices are rather confusing on the official Accrington website as there are split costs under their ticket pricing section which references the 2009-10 season only. In their away supporters guide, the site lists prices as being:
Adults: £13.
Concessions £8.
These are believed to be the terrace prices.
Unfortunately Accrington Stanley are unable to accommodate wheelchair users in their 'away' supporters enclosure, however any wheelchair users will be welcomed into the disabled section of the club's main stand. Ticket prices are charged at the Concession rate with carers admitted free of charge.
Coach travel
The Aldershot Town Supporters Trust have sadly cancelled their coach due to insufficient interest. Those who had already booked have been contacted.
- Supporters planning to make their own way to the match can plan their journey and find out the latest travel news here.
- Supporters unable to travel to the match can listen to live match commentary on BBC Radio Surrey on 104.6FM where Gavin Dennison and Shotsweb's Steve Gibbs will be kicking off the afternoon's coverage, live, following the 2pm news.
- You can visit the official Accrington Stanley website here.
Other news
Supporters are reminded that they will be able to book their place on the Aldershot Town Supporters Trust coach to the club's next away fixture against Shrewsbury Town from this coming Tuesday evening when Championship side Watford visit the EBB Stadium for our Carling Cup First Round fixture.
The Trust will have their usual spot at the front of the ground and will welcome bookings and with places costing just £15 each, why not get yourself to the match to help cheer the side on?
As always, the players and management will appreciate your support.