Today we start a series of articles covering some the main topics discussed during the Trust’s AGM where Milan Mandaric and Paul Aldridge took part in a Q & A session.
With Season Tickets for 2008/9 starting to be marketed by the club, we kick off the feature with a question from member Gary Beckwith from the evening
“Given yet another dismal season, what are your pricing plans for next season and will you continue with the Direct Debit no interest scheme form the current season which was a great idea"
Here are the key points from Paul Aldridge’s response
- The club were working on prices (at time of the AGM) and an increase is needed
- There are a number of anomalies that will take 2 or 3 years to iron out.
- Due to those anomalies some Season Ticket Prices may not rise, while others may go up by as much as 15% (although subsequent discussion indicated less than 10%)
- The club wants to extend & make more flexible the Direct Debit terms
- Talked of a flexible monthly charge say £2 – £4, shorter term Direct Debits would attract a smaller monthly charge
- Charge would only cover administration & ensure that fans paying up front are not subsidising instalment payments of others….
In response, Trust Member Ann Abson reminded Paul Aldridge that we weren’t West Ham and City fans were not earning London wages.
Paul Aldridge responded saying he was well aware that fans will vote with their feet and there is a finite number of people that will come to matches and they are looking for value for money.
Paul Aldridge said he was looking for the best use of Season Ticket money & it wouldn’t be blown on agents again.
Another Trust member suggested ticket prices should be based on performance, with a further member suggestion “so should player wages”, to which Paul Aldridge responded “try telling that to the PFA”.
Further selected topics discussed during the Q & A will appear on our website soon, while full coverage of the Q & A will appear in the next Trust member’s newsletter.