MARK DEVLIN insists the Town End will not be given up to Sheffield Wednesday fans as hopes rise of a 10,000 gate for the opening match of the new season at the County Ground.

The club's chief executive is expecting the Owls to sell their 3,314 allocation but he firmly believes Town fans are just as hungry to see their heroes in action as their Hillsborough counterparts.

The Town End was given up to Sunderland fans during the 1997-98 season, while Manchester City supporters packed into the same stand during 1999-2000.

Devlin is in no mood to surrender home advantage on this occasion.

He said: "I understand the Town End has been given over to visiting supporters on occasions in the past but there is no question of it happening for the Wednesday game.

"We have Town End season ticket holders and besides, I know the match is just as appealing to our fans as it is to those of Sheffield Wednesday.

"No predictions but a 10,000 crowd would be a fantastic way to start the campaign.

"There is a lot of interest out there and I hope the fans, encouraged by the lads' pre-season efforts, will turn up in numbers and make sure that Sheffield Wednesday know they are away from home.

"A big gate would create a wonderful atmosphere for the players and give them a taste of what the place could be like with a run of success."

Ticket office manager Stuart Pike said: "Having such a high profile start to the season has generated a lot of interest.

"There certainly seem to be fewer grumbles than when I arrived here 11 months ago."

While the Town ticket office has been busy, the story is much the same at Hillsborough.

A Wednesday spokeswoman said: "Another 800 tickets arrived from Swindon on Thursday morning and demand is very high.

"The tickets are only available to season-ticket holders at the moment and don't go on general sale until Monday. I wouldn't envisage there being too many left by then."

Meanwhile, the club was expected to dispatch a £100,000 cheque to CVA supervisors Hacker Young by close of business today.

The annual payment is a month late, with the club citing summer cash flow as the reason for the delay.

Ticket prices for the Carling Cup tie at Southend United on Tuesday August 12 are: Seating £16 (adults), £9 (concessions). Standing £13 (adults) and £7 (concessions). The Town ticket office can be contacted on 0870 4431894.