AFC Telford raise prices but promise fans value
AFC Telford United launch their Early Bird season ticket offer with an increase in prices but a vow to be among the cheapest in the league if they get promoted.
The Bucks are battling for promotion from the Skrill Conference North with new league leaders North Ferriby United, sitting just a point off the top.
And the club will be selling their first season tickets at Saturday's home game against Histon, slightly earlier than when they were in the Premier last season.
They were, effectively, doomed by that stage but are working hard to get the 500 fans that have stayed away for this campaign back on board.
Chairman Ian Dosser said: "The economic circumstances are difficult right now for both the football club and our supporters.
"We have spent a lot of time and discussion, both as a board and with the Supporters Trust, balancing these considerations.
"We are very pleased with on-the-field progress this season and delighted to be in the running for promotion to the Conference Premier.
"There will need to be an increase in season ticket prices but, as ever, creating a pricing structure that offers value for money for our supporters.
"The club has cut operating costs to the bare minimum and we are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of how we operate on a day-to-day level."
Michael Frater, chairman of AFC Telford United Supporters Trust, added: "As the trust board of a wholly fans-owned club, our first priority is to play fair by the fans.
"In looking at the budget for next season, we have recognised that most of our fans have been badly affected by the recession and the slow recovery.
"We are looking at further cost reductions at the club, raising an extra £20,000 of commercial income and radical new ways of raising extra money for the playing budget.
"We aim to be amongst the lowest prices in Conference Premier, if we get promoted. No one wants a repeat of the last two seasons which affected everyone involved with the club.
"It hurt morale so badly that nearly 500 fans have stayed away this season, despite our growing success. We want those who have stuck with us to carry on.
"Alongside that, we really want their help in getting those who have stayed away this season to come back to the New Bucks Head in large numbers."
