This weekend's Green Un features an article by Phil Tooley outlining that, for the second season on the trot, Chesterfield's away followers will have fewer miles to travel than any other Football League supporters if they attend every one of the 23 away games.

For the second season on the trot, Chesterfield's away fans will have to travel fewer miles than every other team in the Football League to attend all 23 away games in the 2008-09 campaign.

However, with petrol costs spiralling out of control, seeing Spireites trot out at every away ground will cost much more than in the recently ended season. Despite continuing to have the shortest journeys on average, with the likes of Bournemouth, Gillingham, Aldershot and Exeter City replacing Mansfield Town, Stockport County, Peterborough United and Wrexham, Saltergate supporters will have to rack up 1078 additional miles compared to 2007-08.

Visiting every away game will see fans travel 5010 miles, 37 fewer than Coventry City in second place but miles less than hardy Plymouth fans. Following Argyle will depreciate your motor by 11444 miles!

The only one of our local sides whose team coach will clock up fewer miles this season is that of promoted Doncaster Rovers. Sean O'Driscoll's men will travel 6440 miles to visit the homes of their 23 Championship rivals, 334 fewer than necessary to win that coveted spot.

Like Chesterfield, Rotherham United fans will see their mileage increase as a result of the basement's make up. Assuming their day begins in Rotherham rather than the heart of the Don Valley, 5396 miles will be travelled, 29% more than last time.

In the Championship, in addition to Doncaster, Sheffield United (5972 miles), Sheffield Wednesday (6182) and Barnsley (6550) all have slightly higher distances to travel than last term.

Supporters don't have too long to wait now to begin planning their days out. The Football League releases the new fixture list a week on Monday, 16^th June and all the hardy travellers will be hoping to avoid the longest trips on a midweek night in the heart of the winter whilst the trips to the likes of Blackpool or Morecambe on a summer or spring weekend are always welcome!

Meanwhile, back at Saltergate, it's anticipated that there may a one or two Friday evening fixtures in the forthcoming campaign. Manager Lee Richardson is believed to be keen on arranging a few games of this nature, no doubt followers of Gillingham would love that!

Phil Tooley