um pahars

From my recollection I reckon the current prices would be a bit cheaper, BUT I'm not sure of the relevance as I thought that when we got relegated we actually kept our Premiership Prices (which was met with much outcry), with Lowe saying we were getting four matches extra (he didn't really seem to understand that quality not quantity was the issue). For our first year in the Championship our prices were way OTT!!!! Our current prices would certainly be in excess of our second year in the Championship.

Simply, wear black brogues/slip ons honour Ndrangheta

No F***ing way. Having been to many dinlo grounds where they have had drums or whatever, I can safely say this is one thing that could make me rethink the season ticket.

I'm sure it won't be as bad as Sunday, but if our lot move to the Chapel then a few of us are decidedly undecided with regards moving to The Chapel, as being surrounded by so many screaming kids might be a tad too much for an old bore like me!!!!! Half of us want to stay in the Kingsland corner with a decent atmosphere and with a wider group of friends, whilst those who have been hammered with a big increase (those lads with kids) are saying they have no choice but either move or chuck their tickets in (they also feel guilty about asking us to move with them). It's not just as easy as saying move to The Chapel.

Whenever I go to watch any of the Youth teams I always accept that too often too many players try to do too much as if they are out to impress someone (which I suppose they are). That said, as you say with many of those on show today being at premiership clubs I was disappointed with a lot of the play today. There was some good technical skill, the odd moment where players shone, but too often it was quite bitty and at times sloppy. Maybe the fact it was a friendly had something to do with it, but with the real mccoy starting on Sunday I would have expected us to look a lot sharper.

I'm not sure what you're replying to or trying to get at. I merely pointed out that Rory's claim wasn't true.

Football's all about opinions (but Chaplow has played in the top flight for West Brom)

I thought U21 starlet Jay Rodrigues won their POTS???? I'm certainly not saying that I think he's a poor player, just that maybe he's not the one for us. I just think we need an older head (and a bit of a snarler) in the middle of the park and Cork just seemed a bit nice out there today (although of course it was a friendly). Burnley obviously rate him, but then again perhaps I'm being a bit ahead of myself when I think we should be leaving Burnley behind!!!!!!

Have to agree Ron, although in fairness to Cork he might prefer to be playing in the middle of the park. Didn't look at all comfortable today, but as I say maybe right back isn't his forte. Kept a particular eye on him, due to being linked and not convinced he's what we need (is he too lightweight??). Can remember in parts from "that season", but don't think it would be fair to judge anyone on their performances during that debacle. (Wasn't that impressed by much of the play today to be honest).

It is only after reading some posts that I realise some people are coming at this from a totally different perspective from how I see things. I'm not saying they're wrong, just that I see it differently sometimes. When I read: "If you can't afford it, then don't go", or "It's just a leisure pursuit", or "what's better for the Club" or "Well you will just have to move seats", "It's the price of success" then I start asking; "why should it be so expensive", "for many it's much more than leisure pursuit (and has been for years, if not generations)", "what's better for the fans", "why should people have to move seats", "the price of everything and the value of nothing". Football prices across the board are way too expensive nowadays (with Saints being one of many who have increased prices way above RPI, CPI or earnings over the years) and the game is in danger of overpricing itself. There are some good initatives out there, e.g. our U-11's going free is an honourable effort in pulling in youngsters and cushioning the cost, but otherwise I look at some of the prices and think we have pitched it a bit too high (although what is high to one person is reasonable to another and it is always impossible to judge other peoples positions and motivation). I think the prices we have set, (particularly new season ticket prices), along with a few anomalies and a five week window will see attendances lower than I would have expected, but as others have pointed out, the income generated probably won't be much different. I hope the team gets off to a flyer and stays in the hunt, otherwise I can see some disappointing attendances for what I had hoped to be an uplifting year (and of course I would so love to be wrong). I had braced myself for some large price increases (although that doesn't mean I agree with my personal 42% hike, but I'll probably lump it) and resigned myself to the Club only having a short selling window, so I just hope that this doesn't result in attendances being too depressed. Have no idea of the cost to the Club (or the value to the supporters), but would be delighted if the Club could honour the existing concessions for our 61-64 age bracket.

I would suggest that for some (and particularly those who have probably followed the Club for 50 odd years), it's somewhat more than just a leisure pursuit.

Don't ask me how I know but it's over 60 down at Portsmuff!!!!!!

You're talking about a "leisure purchase" and whilst that is totally within your perogative to think of a season ticket that way, perhaps you should accept that for others they may see their season ticket somewhat differently (however irrational that may seem to you).

I would imagine that many would sympathise with yours and other retirees plight and hope there is a happy ending here. I also like to think good of my Club and would like to think that they will address this anomaly. Have faith.

We've always had a decent reputation (and a decent success rate) since the early 80's and it makes sense to try and ensure this legacy continues. We obviously can't compete with the big clubs with regards wonga, so need to be loooking for every opportunity to punch above our weight. My only concern would be with regards the "stories" you hear of even the young lads being offered large envelopes just to sign for some of the "bigger club's academies", but that doesn't mean we shouldn't look to create a niche reputation of being the best Academy south of line from London to Birmingham.

I reckon there might be a bit of influx there next season!!! Think our lot of Block 34 Kingslander's are considering moving. I'm just not sure about being surrounded by a load of screaming kids!!!! I put up with it for that celebration game a few weeks back, but a whole season and I might go a bit loopy!!!

You mentioned this before, then disappeared!!! We were told it was 100's!!! Where did you get your 28 from???

U 11's for free is an excellent initiative and the Club should be applauded for it. As you say it gets kids involved at a young age and hoepfully brings throught the next batch of fans. If we end up moving to The Chapel (not overly happy Exit2!!!!!), then i might just get one and take my nephew to the odd game.

A valid reason, but one that I have issues with. Firstly, there's an element of risk involved. Using my seat (£465 vs £27), someone would have to go 18 times over the course of a season to bring in more revenue than a season ticket. Throw in a poor run, nothing games at the end of the season (hopefully not), unattractive opposition, holidays, competing events, evening games, poor weather, illness etc, then racking up 18 games might be a bit of a challenge (I kknow I missed about 5 last season and that was with an upfront season ticket) Secondly, I just think that season tickets underpin attendances and the increased experience as a result. Additionally, a big take up starts to reduce the tickets available increasing the sense of exclusivity and wanting to be a part of "it". It also gets people hooked in for the long run and more likely to buy a season ticket when we need them most. If this was a plausible reason, then why do so many clubs seek to maximise season ticket sales??? Most clubs go for a decent figure and only cap it with a few thousand to spare to ensure that some are available to the causal fan to keep them interested.

So why does every other club do it? I'm sure that for other clubs the need to get money in early is paramount, but if we are wanting to be self sufficient, then shouldn't we be looking to act prudently. Secondly, I'm sure the reason why others open their window early, promote season tickets and offer incentives is to increase the overall number sold. No idea where the balance between these two reasons lie, but IMHO an early and longer window will have an impact on the volume sold I'm not saying the minority is always wrong, but you have to wonder why we restrict it to a late 5 week window, when others are going for a window of 5 months.

I was posting something similar when Saint Clark shut down the other thread!!!! I personally think the Norwich prices were par and ours are at the top end, but everyone's opinions on ticket prices are tainted by their own personal situations. Personally, I'll pay the £465 but a few of "our lot" have already called/texted saying it might be a tad too much (particularly those with young 'uns) and will either move to The Chapel or drop it and pay as you go.

My beef isn't how long you have to save up, but instead why are we limiting the time we have to shift 16,000+ season tickets??? Surely a big marketing push, trading off the back of the promotion euphoria, getting people hooked early on and a longer purchasing window would have meant more sales! Can anyone give a reason why you would want to restrict the amount of time you have to sell a product (don't really buy the exclusivity argument as there would still be thousands left even after the most successful sales window)????

Going the other way, I'd say Kevin Davies. A player, who the current manager (who we all had complete faith in) didn't fancy, who then went on to perform for 8+ seasons in the top flight.

I think Norwich had the balance about right, but I think trying to come to a price that you feel is "about right" is almost impossible to achieve and will very often be biased by the financial situation of those who are trying to justify £380 or £465. I can afford £465, but have already had a few phone calls/texts by some in my group who think the price is steep (and coupled with increases for kids might mean we are moving to The Chapel or they are not renewing). Problem is that judging by the opportunity to purchase being only 5 weeks (see below), then I have to say I'm not as confident as you are with regards the research that the Club seem to have undertaken here. I think our prices are at the top end of whaty I was expecting, and whilst I personally think they should be a bit cheaper, the price is not my main issue. My main beef is how we have sety ourselves up to shift them. But once you've agreed your prices (however optimum you think they are), then what are you gaining by restricting the time in which they can be purchased??? Other clubs such as Norwich spread their season ticket sales over five months, we have chosen to spread them over five weeks.

FWIW, here's StuRomseySaint's "Price Comparison Index" (I take no blame for any inaccuracies): For the relegated teams and those in the top half last season or of similar size to us. 'R' is for Renewal Price 'N' for New STH Leeds - R) *? N) £612 Ipswich - R) £480 N) £507 Saints - R) £465 N) £540 West Ham - R) £515 N) £515 P*mpey - R) *? N) £499 Cardiff - R) £399 N) £419 Watford - R) £395 N) £395 Reading - R) £395 N) £395 Leicester - R) £379 N) £379 Forest - R) £378 N) £405 Birmingham - R) £369 N) £369 Burnley - R) £368 N) £368 Blackpool - R) £339 N) £339 Derby - R) £270 N) £350 *? - Could not find early bird prices. All prices based on the cheapest adult standard ticket ( not family enclosure or restricted view )