SWINDON Town Official Supporters Club chair Pete Norris pens his thoughts after the recent takeover at the County Ground.

We’ve got our club back.

Having spent the day with a number of others from the OSC and SAS Travel (with significant guidance from STFC’s Jordan and Vicky) working in the club shop on Saturday, I’ve seen it for myself.

Walking into the club shop on Saturday morning and seeing the empty racks where replica shirts should be, I was taken aback. What were we expected to sell? What would the fans think, if they were expecting to buy one before the match?

Well, my concerns were unfounded – a steady stream of fans of all ages came into the shop; some looking at the mannequins that were showing off the new kits (a quick chat with Clem Morfuni confirmed it’s gold not yellow!), others looking through the merchandise and leisurewear that’s currently available - with much more to come within the month, I’m told - and some just coming into the shop for a browse and chat.

As well as handling replica shirt pre-orders, we were asked all sort of questions: “When will shirts be shipped?” (At the end of this week); “When can shirts be bought in-store?” (Early next week); “When will car park season tickets be available?” (STFC still working on them)”; “Will season tickets be shipped out or need to be picked up?” (Currently unsure; but this will be communicated ASAP).

Despite not always being able to give fans a clear answer, or the answer they wanted, the one consistency was that everyone was upbeat and looking forward - not just to the day’s pre-season friendly against Peterborough United, but the season in general.

Around 2pm we had a visitor to the shop, when Clem Morfuni walked in, shook everyone’s hands, said his thank yous and, in a scene reminiscent of the Paolo Di Canio days, was asked for selfie after selfie, obliging on every count.

As many people have covered, this season is going to be tough, so it’s going to be so important that as fans we realise it’s unlikely we’re going to be storming the league, and we’ll need to close ranks and stick together.

We’ve got our club back – now it’s our turn to give it everything we’ve got.

On a separate note: We’ve teamed up with STFC Community Foundation to organise the Alan McLoughlin Memorial Walking Football Tournament, with proceeds split between Prospect Hospice and Head For Change. You can sign up as a team or individually at www.stfc-osc.com If you’re over 40, it’s a great way to keep in touch with the game, and it’s all for two great causes.

See you at Scunthorpe.