On the last day of summer thoughts turn to days drawing in, long evenings, and the cold winds of winter. With not having so much of a summer this time, there is almost the feeling of being cheated in some way.

Down at owd 'new stadium' we've had six games to start to get used to our new home. 'Teething troubles' still exist, but as time goes on, slowly but surely, there are beginning to be ironed out.

The ticketing system which introduces something we're not really used to, getting a ticket for a match rather than just strolling down the ground and walking in, is an ache lets face it, but as time goes on, you get used to it.

I have to say I've been really impressed by my dealings with the Ticketing staff. They've gone out of their way to help with queries, and I managed to get my season ticket seat for the Fulham game reserved for me on the Friday, and I got it Saturday morning. Same for tomorrow. I come down with Dad, so I was moving seats to sit with him, and not a problem.

I really sorry for people who have experienced problems but I hope they will give the club another go. Some of things I've seen and heard have been quite frankly ridiculous and to be honest don't really show the fan base or the locality in a great light really. Even a letter today from a Town fans stated that the council should have forced the club to re-develop GM after all the arguments, articles and proof, to show that it couldn't be done.

I'll be honest there's things I don't like at NM. I think for me as an avid programme collector the lack of designated selling points for programmes, is a big bug bare, but solutions such as selling in pubs, local newsagents and from the club shop would help. The club shop I think is way too small, but to get around this we actually have a manned shop during the week, and extended opening hours. Never happened at GM that did it. The Supporters Bar. How I so much wanted, campaigned, argued at meetings for that facility, and I will still argue, campaign for that facility, but I realise putting a case for it is going to be difficult. To have a facility that works, especially against the facilities linked to the Sovereign Club and Corporate side (the Arthur Rowley Lounge is open to everyone outside match days and is well worth a visit).

The Railside concourses are too small, but I think signage, barriers, lines could really help here.

But overall I love going to New Meadow. I love seeing the floodlights, can't believe the amount of people who live in Sutton who follow Town (and believe me they all do go to houses there!). Does it fell like home yet? No, I'll be honest it doesn't. It's feels strange foreign, and although I sit with my mates up in Block 14, it's weird. But the atmosphere is amazing. Wynnie still sells his football cards, Bizzy comes out with utter nonsense, and so nothing changes there.

I think it's the view of the pitch as well. You didn't realise just how shallow the view was from the Riverside. You really appreciate the play more at NM. Being able to see the pitch without something in the way is joy to behold.

So I can take the negatives about the place, although I want to see improvements, which generally are coming along. As someone who has a high workload and 100 plus people all thinking their issue is highest priority I can understand how frustrating it can get trying to deliver everything. Unless you have an army of people you can delegate to, it wont happen overnight. I some things haven't changed in twelve months, I'd be truly annoyed because the likelihood would be that attendances would be hit, but I cant honestly see that being the case, but if it is, trust me I'll be the first one saying so.

I pleased that the new facilities such as the restaurant are going well. The review in the Star last week was excellent, and although I think the Star tries to be overly unbiased at times towards STFC, I thought it was a fair reflection of what I've heard on the grapevine.

There is great opportunity for supporters to air their views with regards the new stadium at a shrewsTRUST open meeting on the 18th at the Brooklands. Starting at 7.30 p.m. I hope loads of you will come, but I also hope you come not just gripes but solutions too. Because I know this fan base is so talented and we've proved it before, and we'll prove it again.

On the subject of parking I disturbed by some of the stories I've heard of late so called residents putting glued stickers on windscreens (which is not only illegal but dangerous - behaviour worse than that attributed to football fans) of cars parked 'illegal'.

I'll be honest. Due to travelling back from Droitwich, I've parked in Sutton. I've parked on empty streets, well away from peoples drives, and not caused any problems. I haven't done this to stick me fingers up at SARA or the people of Sutton. I've done it because the last P and R bus has gone. Because we are waiting for our marvellous council to allow park and walk from the Shrewsbury Business Park. (Where I will park in future situations). And tomorrow like all the other times I will be going on P and R, from Harlescott. With me Dad that supported this club for fifty years plus. And like I say when I have parked down Sutton the traffic wardens are twiddling their thumbs because they've got nothing to do. Because there aren't the reams of parked cars clogging driveways (despite the alleged best intentions of local residents turning cars away from the Charles Darwin car park).

I just wish people would stop and think. I've seen in the paper that people wanted the site of the Flower Show moved. For god sake, the Flower Show puts Shrewsbury on the map. STFC puts Shrewsbury on the map. Why do you think we are the only county town without a direct rail service to London? Why do you think Virgin Trains would rather run every two hourly to Chester? Because they think, Shrewsbury, what's there? We have to sell ourselves. It's a global game now. These people who worry so much about their place on the Highway being blighted, must have kids, grandkids. Where do they want these people to work in the future? Because if we carry on as we are it aint going to be Shrewsbury.

One thing I have been impressed with is the Supporters Bus scheme, supported by shrewsTRUST. We have been approached by the Beeches at Bayston Hill to get a coach going there, which could help with those not just from Bayston Hill (bet a certain Mr Fox is turning cartwheels of joy wherever his political ambitions have taken him) but from those travelling from the A5/ A49.

Ok rant over. Playing wise, goodish start. A little disappointed we didn't go for it more against Fulham, but were are they going. Championship I think. MK Dons result was disappointing, but hey, we still got to Wembley in their back yard. And tomorrow sees Grimsby, and memories of that special day in May. Should be an interesting one.

Blue and Amber always

Ade Plimmer