Corry said the entire board of the trust will be at the match and some would be attending for the first time this season. The return of boycotting fans and those who have drifted away from Brunton Park over the last four seasons could push the crowd up to over 6,000. "John Courtenay has shown his commitment to the fans in his attempt to buy the club. It is now the supporters' turn to return some of that confidence that he is showing to give him the boost he needs to complete the deal," said Corry. "From the trust's perspective we have looked at all the various options to demonstrate against Michael Knighton - boycotts, organising alternative events and marches. All that was on the back of anti-Knighton feeling, but Saturday should be about a John Courtenay 'in' day rather than a Knighton 'out' day." Before the start of the season, a ballot of members came out 75% in favour of boycotting selected home games. In the event, the trust stopped short of calling for a mass boycott but many supporters made up their own minds to stay away. Gates have slipped back over 20% on last season's average mark of 3,699. Courtenay has said the club need 4,500 just to break even. He indicated 6,000 could lift the club forward rapidly. The local newspaper, the News & Star have backed the trust's stance and have launched a Back to Brunton campaign to persuade the stay-aways to make their return. Although the deal between Courtenay, who has not seen United lose since first watching them against Leyton Orient three weeks ago and Knighton has not been finalised, it is expected to be sealed within a fortnight. Courtenay said this week it was going well and might even be ahead of schedule. |
