The attendance figure at Horsfall Stadium tomorrow will no doubt be swelled by the appearance of Sir Geoff Hurst and Jack Charlton but there are signs that lapsed Avenue fans are returning.

The two members of England's one and only, so far, World Cup-winning team will be signing autographs and watching a schools challenge as young local players display their skills and try to win a £1,000 prize for their school.

The visit of 1966 hat-trick hero Hurst and Leeds legend Charlton is the brainchild of Avenue chief executive Bob Blackburn. It is the latest in a line of initiatives to generate public interest, raise the profile of the club and attract new supporters.

One of the first schemes driven by local businessman Blackburn when he bought the major shareholding in the club was the issue of 20,000 complimentary tickets, which were distributed to schools, gyms, sports clubs and local businesses.

"That had an immediate effect and it has proved to be a lasting one," said Avenue boss Benny Phillips.

"The crowds were up by something like 50 per cent and the players benefited from the atmosphere at the ground. They all remarked on how the support from the terraces had helped them give their best.

"The lads could hear the chanting and the cheers and it drove them on. It must have been a little intimidating for the visiting players. They were taken aback by our support and surprised at the noise levels.

"It made a huge difference and the people who came to have a look at us because they had a free ticket must have liked what they saw. The crowds haven't dropped that much since the free tickets finished.

"To me, that proves that the support, for a former Football League club, is still out there in the city. They will come back and some obviously have already. The public is responding, the club has done its bit so now it's down to us."

Phillips added: "As the manager, I have a responsibility - as do the backroom staff who work under me and the players themselves. We have to bring success on the pitch to the club and in a certain way.

"We have to play entertaining football and give value for money to make the supporters want to come back every week. Moving up a division would help, and I'm sure that the promotions will come, but this is a long-term thing."

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