PREVIEW: Northampton Town

Swindon Town open their 2007/08 League One campaign against Northampton Town at Sixfields on Saturday.

The game should have a great atmosphere as it is Family Day at Sixfields.

Swindon Town have sold out their entire allocation for this match and will be backed by 1,300 travelling fans for this fixture.

Whilst expectations will be high at Swindon Town, promotion at the first time of asking to the Championship is un-realistic however it could be a very interesting season should Swindon get out of the starting blocks quick.

'They have a great manager in Paul Sturrock. His record as a manager speaks for itself really. He was a fantastic appointment as he shown there are not much better at doing what he does.

'I know he will make his side very organised and very hard to beat and anyone playing Swindon Town this season will know they have been in a game.'

Swindon Town legend and Nottingham Forest Manager Colin Calderwood

Northampton enjoyed a comfortable 14th place finish last season in League One and will look to improve this season under manager Stuart Gray. Players coming to Sixfields in the Summer include, Danny Jackman, Colin Larkin, Ian Henderson, and Giles Coke. Players leaving Northampton include David Hunt, Pedj Bojic, Sean Dyce, Ian Taylor, Jerome Watt, Danny Green and Fredy Murray.

Andy Kirk who has been capped 8 times by Northern Ireland will provide the goals up front for Northampton. Kirk had spells at Scottish Premier League side Hearts, and Boston United before joining the Cobblers for £125,000 in April 2005 despite interest from clubs in higher divisions.

Town are facing several last minute fitness tests with Lee Peacock, Hasney Aljofree and Andy Nicholas among the names that could miss out. Town will have to move the ball forward if they are to get a result at sixfields. The Club will miss striker Barry Corr who is out with a back injury and currently has no prolific striker at the club. If Town are to do more than just make up numbers this season they will need to ensure their defence is as sturdy as last season in League Two.

Ifil will have to rally the troops at the back. Ady Williams is ruled out and new defensive partner Hasney Aljofree may also miss this match. Swindon's defence was rock solid in League Two last season and until a 'ultimate striker' comes to the club, Swindon will have to ensure the same happens this season and Ifil will be at the heart of this.

Swindon Town last played Northampton Town on Saturday 8th March 2003 and lost away at Northampton thanks to a goal from Paul Harsley. Swindon Town have a lifetime record of 55-24-48 against The Cobblers.

C Penton will be the official for this match. M Blackledge and O Langford will be his assistants. A M Newbold will be the fourth official for the encounter at Sixfields.

A difficult game to predict. Town have not really scored too many goals in pre-season and it is an area manager Paul Sturrock is looking to strengthen. With a good backing it may give the team a lift. I would be happy with a 1-1 draw heading into our Carling Cup match against Charlton.

Carling Cup Round One: Swindon Town V Charlton Athletic, Tuesday 14 August 2007 7:45 Kick Off at the County Ground, Swindon. For All of Swindon Town's 2007/08 League One Fixtures Please Click HERE

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