Gloucester hope for kind schedule

Gloucester City chairman Dave Phillips hopes for a favourable run of fixtures when the Blue Square North matches for next season are announced on Friday.

Phillips told BBC Gloucestershire: "We asked the league if our trips to Blyth Spartans and Workington could be early or late in the season.

"I hope they will help because no-one wants a postponed game that distance away and have to play it midweek."

City won promotion in May by beating Farnborough in the play-offs.

Phillips had asked that City be placed in the Blue Square South, but because of a guarantee given to Worcester City after their switch from the northern division in 2008, the Tigers now have regular trips up the M6, with Redditch being their shortest away trip.

"We lost the battle and have to make the best of it," added Phillips.

"We're putting on a positive face and enthusiastically embracing what we have to do. Season ticket sales are up by about 20% so if that's an indicator I'm looking forward to some bigger gates at our home matches."