Mark Boggis AN exciting new chapter in the Lowestoft Town FC history books is opened tomorrow as the Blues kick off their Ryman Isthmian Football League Division One North campaign.

Mark Boggis

AN exciting new chapter in the Lowestoft Town FC history books is opened tomorrow as the Blues kick off their Ryman Isthmian Football League Division One North campaign.

Micky Chapman and Ady Gallagher's men head to London for a 242-mile round trip to take on Thamesmead Town FC at Bayliss Avenue.

The Trawler Boys won't have long to wait to see Lowestoft in home action either, as they take on Essex outfit Concord Rangers in the league at Crown Meadow next Tuesday (18).

And this week, Blues chairman Gary Keyzor admitted that everyone was looking to the new challenges ahead.

“The hard work has now been complete as we see Lowestoft Town move forward into a new era,” he told The Journal.

Starting his first full season at the helm of Lowestoft Town FC, Keyzor revealed that lots of hard work had been going on behind the scenes and off-the-field in the past few months to make promotion a reality.

And now, his aspirations for The Blues in the season ahead have again been set at a high level - but it is one he believes are a very real possibility.

“As I move into the start of my first full season at the helm and a new and exciting experience for everyone concerned with the club, my ambitions and expectations are high,” he told The Journal.

“The challenge this season is to see Lowestoft Town FC once again achieve promotion, something I believe possible with the management, playing squad, committee and wonderful support that Lowestoft is honoured to have.”

And emphasising the superb backing that The Blues have, season ticket sales have already “far exceeded that of this time last campaign” as the club's many loyal supporters now have the opportunity to back the Blues once more and see new teams grace the Meadow.

“During the summer I have worked very closely with our management team as we all have the same ambition of taking Lowestoft Town FC as far up the footballing pyramid as possible,” Keyzor revealed.

“Full credit must go to them for the six players that they have brought in to add to our already excellent squad. I believe the new players have settled in well and are thoroughly enjoying the professionalism of our set up.

“We are very fortunate to have such a fantastic coaching and management team and a tremendous squad of players, their attitude is second to none and they are all a pleasure to work with,” he added.

Gearing up for the new campaign, The Blues bandwagon has been moving into overdrive ever since they were granted the backing from the Football Association that their application for promotion into the Ryman League was successful.

“Off the field, groundsman David Page and his team have been very busy re-vamping and painting both the home and away changing rooms, the boardroom and the tea bar in readiness for the new season,” Keyzor said. The social club is also being spruced up and will hopefully be complete before our first ever home game in the Rymans league Division 1 North.”

The Crown Meadow passed the appropriate ground grading criteria in the early part of 2009 in readiness for The Blues initial promotion application - and next week it will be all systems go as Lowestoft's Ryman League home campaign kicks off.

“Our club shop has also been fitted out and will reopen on Tuesday evening with some very special limited edition items as well as a whole new range of merchandise,” Keyzor said.

“Our sales and marketing team have worked tirelessly throughout the summer liaising with our current sponsors and advertisers as well as encouraging many new local companies to jump on board as we move into an exciting period in the club's history.

“There are numerous opportunities for local companies to get involved with Lowestoft Town and any interested parties are urged to contact our team on 01502 500050,” he added.