Harrogate Town‘s pre-season gets underway tonight with what could be one of the largest crowds all year at the EnviroVent Stadium.
Sheffield Wednesday have sold all 600 away tickets for the match, which kicks off at 7pm.
Harrogate have sold 1,200 so far, meaning a 2,000-plus crowd is on the cards for what is the pick of Town’s pre-season friendlies.
Wednesday have won the league four times and the FA Cup on three occasions but have hit on hard times since falling out of the Premier League in 2000.
They are currently in League One of the English Football League, one ahead of Harrogate, but retain a large away following.
The Owls will provide a stern test in the heat for Simon Weaver’s new-look side.
Weaver said:
“Sheffield Wednesday will be a huge test. They were right up there in the league last season and almost got promoted via the playoffs. It’ll be good to welcome them, who are a huge club with rich history. It should be a good occasion.
“Everyone has been without football for a little while now so I’m sure the appetite is there and it’ll be a nice evening for a good game of football.”
Weaver added the squad had worked hard in pre-season training and “fitness levels are really high right now”.
The Suphurites have brought in eight players after fading badly last season following a strong start.
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Academy player George Horbury has also been offered professional terms. Weaver said:
“The new players have settled in quite easily and have had a good laugh between themselves.
“They’re all becoming friends straight away which is great and what we need after making quite a few new signings.”
Tickets for tonight’s match are available here,