SHEFFIELD FC - already a worldwide brand as the planet's oldest team - expect to further their reputation with high-profile pre-season friendlies against most of our local professional clubs.
As in last year's run-up to the regular campaign, the Dronfield-based side have successfully attracted some big names.
And new manager Chris Dolby can't wait to get started.
Dolby, who played for Rotherham United and works in Barnsley FC's community department, says of the pre-season package: "Its great for the players who are joining us to see what sort of quality we can attract, great for the fans and for me in my first season as a manager. I am really looking forward to it.
"The Rotherham United fixture is a mouth-watering one. I was a local boy brought up through the ranks there.
"The assistant manager, John Breckin, who is still there, is a close friend of mine and its great to meet up again.
"He gave me my first professional game in the Football League so I have a lot to thank him for."
Dolby, speaking in a video interview with The Star, admits he leans more towards Sheffield United than Wednesday; he used to be on the books at Bramall Lane.
"I spent a little bit of time at Sheffield United with the late Danny Begara, so I've got a soft spot for the Blades," he confessed.
Dolby thinks United will bring more fans to the Bright Finance stadium than Wednesday - and that the club will end up higher in the Championship too, although he is the first to admit he is biased!
Dolby says the pre-season programme will be a "good test to see where we are for fitness, also good for the club and fans to be mixing with Sheffield United, Chengdu Blades ... the whole package is a great time for us."
Last year's friendlies were crowned by the game against Inter Milan, he says, despite the 5-2 defeat.
"There were (nearly) 20,000 at Bramall Lane ... shaking Pele's hand before the game, it's what dreams are made of," he said.
"We were lucky enough to get a copy of the DVD and I do put it on from time to time!"
CLICK ON THE GREEN PLAY ICON ABOVE TO WATCH CHRIS DOLBY'S INTERVIEWSheffield FC's pre season home matches: Sat 19th July - Barnsley Home 3pm
Mon 21st July - Rotherham Utd Home 7.30pm
Wed 23rd July - Tamworth Home 7.45pm
Thurs 24th July- SUFC Home 7.45pm
Sat 26th July - Newi Cefn Druids Home 3pm
Wed 30th July - SWFC Home 7.45pm
Sat 2nd Aug - York City Home 3pm
Mon 4th Aug - Chesterfield Home 7.30pm
Sat 9th Aug- Chengdu Blades 3pm
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 501 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
