AFC Telford's vow on coaches to Welling
AFC Telford United bosses plan to cut the cost of travel to the team's opening game of the season this Saturday - if they get a full coach-load of supporters.
The cost of the 358-mile round trip to Welling with the official travel club was set at £23-£27. That decision led to complaints from sections of the club's fan base.
Telford managing director Lee Carter claimed that the cost of travel from the New Bucks Head was determined by the price of running the coach and the number of people travelling.
But he has added the prices will be reduced if enough people want to go.
He said: "The price is set as the price of the coach divided by a maximum of 35 people. That is the break-even figure.
"If we can get a full coach, we will run it at whatever the price is divided by 53 (maximum number of passengers). But we need to get that full coach."
Last week, the travel club ran a cost of £23 for Telford United Supporters Trust members to travel if booked in advance and £25 on the day. Prices for non-members are £25 and £27.
Carter told of how national increases in the cost of travel and fuel have hit both football fans and the club alike.
But he has urged the club's supporters to continue their loyal backing as the club prepares for life in the non-league's top tier again following promotion from the Skrill North.
He said: "Our supporters are great. A lot of them travel everywhere.
"We are going to have some great occasions this year. I can't wait for Bristol Rovers away.
"We only ever used to play those sides in the FA Cup if we were lucky and got to a first or second round. We need support, it is going to be massive.
"Our ability to stick together is going to be tested but it's going to be really, really valuable to us."
