by RG30 »
17 Mar 2007 10:51
Charlton are to reward their supporters for showing such staunch support during a troubled campaign with a groundbreaking season-ticket offer that could mean fans watching Premiership football free of charge at The Valley in 2008/09.
The Addicks - who have managed to sell more than 96 per cent of their 27,111-stadium capacity despite a difficult season on the pitch - are cutting next season's prices by up to £75.
There will be a new flat rate for all U18s of just £125, which equates to less than £7 per game in the Premiership. The price for U11s will remain at just £99.
The prices will apply whichever division the club plays in next season. But the pioneering free season ticket offer, which is likely to send shockwaves through the game, comes into play if the club is relegated.
The Charlton board has decided that fans who buy their 2007/08 season tickets on or before April 30th will, if the club is relegated at the end of this season, get a Premiership season ticket for the same seat for the 2008/09 campaign absolutely free if the club then gains promotion at the first attempt.
Charlton plc chairman Richard Murray said: "We believe we already offer the most progressive pricing strategy in the Premiership, and this year we are able to offer reductions of up to 13.6 per cent on adult prices and up to 37.5 per cent on U18 prices on some of last year's prices.
"It is a reward to our fans for their magnificent support in what has been an exceptionally difficult campaign, and by renewing early they will help us to plan for next season.'
If the club retains its Premiership status, as it is confident it will, the offer means adult season-ticket holders would enjoy Premiership football from as little as £265 (£13.95 per match) up to a maximum price of £475 (or £25 per match) - down from a maximum of £550 last season.
Added Murray: "If we are relegated that support will be more vital than ever and we will do everything we can to regain Premiership status, and that is the reason for us taking the unprecedented step of offering a free season ticket for 2008/09 if we are promoted at the first attempt, as we were in 1999/2000."
Depending on the club's league position, the board will review the prices at the end of April and these are likely to be higher for later applicants - although fans should note the rates will not be discounted further.
Said Murray: "Both Alan Pardew and myself are very confident we have a great chance to stay in the Premiership this season, and if we do so then fans who back the club and commit to a season ticket before the end of April will receive a more favourable price for the most entertaining league in the world next season.
"We believe that some of the increase in television revenue for Premiership clubs next season should be passed on to fans, which is the primary reason for the reductions. But we have to take everything into account when we plan for the future and this offer represents exceptional value for money whatever division we are in next season.'
He added: "Now is the time to back Alan Pardew and the club in our efforts to stay in the Premiership. Fans can do so in the knowledge that we are firmly committed to establishing Charlton in the top flight over the long term.'
Charlton manager Alan Pardew said: "We are all currently focused and committed to keeping the club in the Premiership. No one on the playing side is even thinking about relegation, but I understand the position we are in means the club has to take account of this as it plans for the future.
"I think the reduced prices, and potentially a free season ticket, is a fantastic gesture towards the fans in recognition of their magnificent support - and the fans can further back me and the players by making the most of this offer."
Charlton's disability prices have been set at £215 adults, £125 U21s and over 60s, and £99 U18s, with carers going free of charge, while details of the club's hospitality structure for 2007/08 will be announced in the near future.