As one of those season-ticket holders affected I’ve been offered the choice of a refund or a seat move – anyone know where the best view is at St. Marys? The biggest worry for those not directly affected by the closures is the impact the changes will have on the atmosphere at matches with next season, especially as blocks 1-3 were the second noisiest area after the Northam stand.

The ongoing dispute regarding Jan Poortvliet’s compensation doesn’t help to inspire confidence that planning for the new season is going smoothly. Nor does the wait to see if any of the following out-of-contract players are going to be retained: Mario Licka, Darren Powell, Nathan Dyer, Alexander Ostlund, Simon Gillett, Inigo Idiakez and Jermaine Wright.

All of which doesn’t exactly ramp up excitement for the new season, despite the fixtures being announced today. It’s Cardiff away first up with Notts Forest away as the last game of the season. At least Saints have signed 2 players before the start of the season, Lee Holmes joins from Derby and Chris Perry joins after his successful loan spell at the end of last season. Only Saints could announce they are intending to give youth a chance then sign a 35-year old within a fortnight!