AFC Telford United today announced big cuts in season ticket prices – as they prepare for a tough financial year in the football world.

The club have cut adult early bird season prices by 10 per cent to £176, while the £20 offer for under-16s has been retained.

Matchday admission prices are set to be frozen in the Stephen Roberts Stand, but are going up £1 for adults and concessions on the terraces.

The club is also launching its first ever payment plan scheme, allowing supporters to split the cost of their season ticket into two payments. Season tickets bought this way will cost £187.

“We hope that this gesture will attract as many supporters as possible to renew,” said Carter.

“This year has been fantastic and there seems to be a really positive feeling amongst supporters about next year.

“We believe the tickets offer fantastic value for money and hope as many supporters as possible take up the offer.

“We are preparing for a tough financial year ahead and we’ve taken that on board – and that many of our supporters have got a few pence less in their pockets,” he added.

“We have got to run this club on a sustainable basis and that is a consideration in all of our budgeting decisions.

“We have made money from cup runs this season, but that will not last two minutes if we go and spend more than we can afford.”

Meanwhile, boss Rob Smith today pledged to honour his contract and stay on board at the New Bucks Head for another season.

Smith is still coming to terms with his side’s defeat to Gateshead in the Blue Square North play-off final last Friday evening.

But he has shrugged off any suggestion that he might walk away from the job.

“I’ve got another year on my contract and I fully intend to see that through,” he said.

“I’m happy here and I have no problems at all, though it still feels like we’re in mourning at the moment.

“We need to move on and start planning, but that can’t happen until we know what budget we have to work with.”

By CHRIS HUDSON