FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Hellenic League Premier Division

3pm, Saturday 10th January 2026

Cossham Street Stadium, Mangotsfield, BS16 9EN

In my little world there are two Man Uniteds and both of them have recently parted company with a senior member of their coaching team (Don’t call it Manager! – Ed). One of the clubs will probably have to lay off another 250 employees to pay their former Head Coach the remainder of his contracted salary. One of them won’t!

Both clubs are ambitious, having recently played at higher levels. Both attract the highest attendances in their respective divisions.

One club’s billionaire owners removed concessionary pricing for kids and pensioners mid season while the other offers concessions to season ticket holders at the city’s professional clubs as well as the usual concessions.

One aims to be the biggest non-league club in Bristol. It will be interesting to see which club gets to that level first.

I know which of the two models I prefer and we will be going there on Saturday.

Yep. We’re off to Bristol again. This time we visit the city’s eastern suburbs. In fact Mangotsfield is right on the edge of the conurbation. Big city one side. Open countryside the other.

It is only 5 years since United played in the Southern League and this is reflected in the facilities at the club’s Cossham Street ground. There is a large seated main stand on one touchline and covered standing on the three other sides. The new artificial playing surface means games can be played in all but the most severe weather conditions while supporters stay dry. Unlike at the other Man Utd!

The Mangoes currently sit in 11th place in the table and will hope the arrival of new manager Ollie Price will signal a push towards the play off places. Signs are positive as the first game of his tenure ended with the Mangoes winning 3-0 away at the Plums of Pershore in what is sure to become known as the Fruit Salad Derby. [The Fruit Bowl – Ed]

As indicated above, United are the only club in the division with a higher average attendance than the Saltmen. Mangotsfield’s average home attendance this season is 237 compared with the average of 229 at Kingys. Given the legendary numbers who follow The Saltmen away from home, there could be a bumper crowd at the game.

I’m really looking forward to this one. Whatever happens it will be better than a trip to the Theatre of Dreams Comedy – but probably not as funny.

See you there

Cheers

FTS