A new dawn for Sale Sharks (From Messenger Newspapers)

A new dawn for Sale Sharks

11:52am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Sport

CLUB chief executive Steve Diamond will realises part three of his ambitious plans when Sale Sharks make their home debut at their new Salford City Stadium ground on Saturday afternoon.

Having improved the Carrington training facilities and taken the team into the prestigious Heineken Cup, the final piece of the jigsaw will see the team run out on the pristine pitch alongside Barton Bridge for a 4.30pm meeting with high flying Saracens.

The Sharks’ supremo issued a rallying call to the club’s supporters before the home launch. Diamond said: "We are keen to carry the flag for professional rugby union in the north of England. We have moved to a state of the art, modern facility and are keen to carry the flag for professional rugby union in the north of England. “We have had a great summer of sport including the Olympics and want to start life in our new stadium with a big crowd and more importantly a noisy one."

He added: "I appeal to every season ticket holder to bring one extra fan with them for the Saracens game. By doing this they will be able to show what they have committed to by buying a season ticket and hopefully encourage their friends to do the same. “We pegged the prices of season tickets and have some great offers available for those fans who want to be part of the Sale Sharks going forward. We have retained many of last season's squad who helped us win a place in the Heineken Cup and have added big names in Danny Cipriani, Richie Gray and Eifion Lewis-Roberts."

Saracens are big spenders and will no doubt include former Sharks favourites Charlie Hodgson and Richard Wigglesworth in their squad, along with Chris Ashton and England golden boy Owen Farrell. Diamond said: "If any season ticket holder brings a friend or friends to the Saracens game we will put their name into a draw to win a 'money can't buy prize'. I would also like to see and welcome all those fans who came to the Harlequins game back in May.

Once they see the new facility at the Salford City Stadium, I am sure they will be impressed and will want to be part of what we are trying to build in the North West of England. “To help disperse the traffic entering and leaving the stadium, and so that fans can take advantage of the fantastic drinks offers during match day, Sale Sharks recommends that fans plan to arrive early and stick around for an hour afterwards.

The club will be arranging pre and post-match entertainment at the ground, for all the family, as well as giving fans the opportunity to meet the non-playing squad. The guys will be in the fan bars from 2.30pm before the game and will make an appearance afterwards as well.” Sharks Ticketline: 08444 994 994.