West Bromwich Albion today slashed the cost of football at The Hawthorns next season by an average of 25 per cent in a dramatic response to football’s growing attendance slump.

Fans who paid £419 for a season ticket last year will only pay £349 next year – regardless of whether the Baggies reach the Premiership or not.

There will also be extra special deals for younger fans, with season tickets on offer for as little as £49.

The price cuts follow a disappointing turn out from Albion fans this season, during which the club has struggled to reach an average attendance of 20,000.

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: “It has become apparent that we need to make season ticket prices more attractive to our supporters.

“We have lost 30 per cent of season ticket holders this season and we want as many of those to come back, and others to join us, regardless of which division we are in.

“We are also very aware of the difficult economic climate which affects many of our fans so we are trying to make it as attractive as possible for them to support our team.

“We have paid particular attention to our younger fans with the introduction of prices of £49 and £99 for under 16’s and a further concession for students who are under 21.”

Baggies fans flocked back for the FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough after ticket prices were slashed.

Season tickets will go on sale from March 15 with adult prices reduced by between 13 per cent and 17 per cent, while junior tickets can be bought for under £50 if purchased with an adult ticket, a reduction of more than 67 per cent. That reduction is limited to the first 1,500 who apply.