THE announcement by TrustSTFC on Tuesday that their schools ticket initiative had been taken up by nearly 3,500 children and their parents is no-quibbles great news.

A full Stratton Bank and a gate pushing five figures against an opposition likely to bring only 100 of their own fans is a massive boost for the club.

Even though it provided no money from ticket sales, the club’s coffers will get a bump from increased sales at their food outlets and probably a few more notes being put through the till at the club shop.

Money though, is not what tomorrow is about. Instead, it is about enticing a new generation of Swindon Town fans and a club, with the help of the Trust, opening itself up to its community.

Despite the success of the Trust’s work ahead of Saturday, there were a few dissenting voices unhappy that, having already forked out for the game, others were getting a free lunch.

That is the sort of attitude which could undo the fantastic work done by Steve Mytton, Mike Welsh and the rest of the Trust board.

Those who already make a bi-weekly pilgrimage to the County Ground need to welcome the newcomers and show the youngsters the joys of being a football fan, whether Town win or lose.

If they do that well who would not want to come back?

I was at Abbey Meads School yesterday with Jon Obika and Wes Foderingham as they handed over some tickets and took questions from the children who will occupy the Stratton Bank tomorrow.

Those children will not forget that experience even if those wearing kits of Premier League giants did not want to admit they were not Swindon Town fans.

How often will those children get to see the big names of the Premier League in the flesh?

Not half as often as they could see their Town heroes if they become regulars at the County Ground. So tomorrow it is the responsibility of everyone at the County Ground, from players to fans, to make sure the newcomers become tomorrow’s regulars.