| Almost 20 per cent of Manchester United supporters have indicated that they will not be renewing their season tickets in August, despite the Old Trafford club being the defending champions in the English Premier League and European Cup. Disenchanted fans are blaming frequent admission price increases, which they claim are unjustifiable at a time when television money is pouring into the game.United, who have a 75,000 capacity in their stadium are among the hardest-hit along with West Ham, Reading and Portsmouth. The average figure in the Premier League is 14 per cent, compared with 12 per cent a year ago.The supporters’ stance will not have too damaging an effect on United, who have a substantial waiting list of would-be spectators, but it is a worrying trend for the less rich clubs.Curiously, Derby County supporters are looking like being the most loyal. Derby were relegated with several weeks to spare, but 97 per cent of Pride Park season ticket holders will be renewing.These findings were produced by research among more than 3,500 fans in the Premier Lague and the English Football League by Virgin Money, who have been tracking the cost of being a fan for the last three seasons.They report that supporters’ finances are being stretched by a combination of the rising cost of basic matchday essentials such as petrol and food along with the tough financial climate.Scott Mowbray, a spokesman for Virgin Money, said: “While some clubs have made efforts to reduce ticket prices in an effort to attract more people to match days, the majority of regular football fans are suffering and are voting with their feet.” |
發表於 2008-6-4 07:06 AM
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發表於 2008-6-4 11:11 AM
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