Pitchero Non League

....provide the opposition for the showpiece match that will officially open the Blue Square Bet North club's new stadium.

Corby have already lined up four pre-season games at their new home that will form part of a series of the commemorative matches, doubling as testing encounters for Graham Drury's side as they prepare for the new campaign.

The date for the match with Rangers, who have won the SPL for the last three seasons, is still to be arranged however it is anticipated the match will be slotted in during an international week or the winter break.

Corby chairman David Mallinger commented: "We are delighted that Rangers have accepted our invitation to come down here for an exhibition match that will mark commemorate something special in the history of Corby Town. They were the team that we identified from day one we wanted to play. We are very fortunate to have an excellent working relationship with the club that has been built up over a number of years and they have always been very accommodating to our requests.

"We really wanted them to open the stadium as our first ever opponents but a combination of the SPL season starting earlier than ever and the fact that the pitch just wasn't going to be ready in time meant that wasn't going to be possible. However, to their credit they have been in regular dialogue with us with a view to sending a team down to mark the occasion and when the day does come, we hope it is something that all the people in Corby will get behind and make into an occasion to remember.

"It promises to be a special night at the stadium, and on the back of the four friendly games, will extend our celebrations beyond just the start of the 2011/12 season."

Rangers' Academy technical manager and reserve team manager Tommy Wilson added: "We are absolutely delighted at the prospect of playing in the match which officially opens Corby’s magnificent new stadium. Having played in regular pre-season matches over recent years we know what type of reception we will get and expect a very competitive fixture.

"Our team, which will be a mixture of reserves and first-team players, are excited at the prospect and the young ones are keen to emulate Danny Wilson who played in the last fixture as a 17-year-old."

Tags: News | Corby

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