Price Freeze Won't Stop Exodus

Despite reports to the contrary Aston Villa have announced a price freeze on Season tickets for the 2006-07 campaign.

The official site explains:

'Renewals or new purchasers have until June 16th to take up this special offer which confirms Villa's pricing structure as being amongst the best in the Premiership. It all means a Villa fan can potentially secure a seat in the centre of the Trinity Road Stand for the equivalent of just £25 per match - which represents a massive saving when compared with the equivalent match-by-match ticket price.

For juniors under the age of 12, a seasonal cost of £125 for the best seat in the house equates to less than £7 per match.

The least expensive single adult season ticket will cost only £330 before June 16th (that's a little over £17 per match) and even after the price freeze, an average increase of just 6% ensures Villa's season ticket pricing remains amongst the most competitive around.

Operations Director, Steve Stride told www.avfc.co.uk: There are always many considerations when applying a pricing structure and the price freeze is our way of showing our gratitude for supporter-loyalty during the last 9 months. Our concessionary pricing structure is also amongst the most innovative around and the fact that we have three tiers for junior season ticket holders proves our commitment to providing a platform for our younger fans to watch Premiership football on a regular and affordable basis.'

They are also offering 0% finance for season ticket purchases over 3 or 6 months.

The official site also says: 'Next term's season ticket packages will once again include a number of additional benefits, including quarterly issues of the Claret & Blue magazine and a copy of the club's popular yearbook. Season Tickets for next season can be purchased from Monday, 8th May.

I don't think this will stop the exodus of fans, a handful of my mates aren't renewing - although in reality they are probably just saying that to get away from me!

With attendances down 7% this season (meaning £1million less in gate receipts) I would expect far more sub 30 000 attendances next year IF there are no changes made in the summer.

For once Doug's axe would be welcome but we need several chops, including himself.

As one person said on Vital Villa's forum

Taxi For O'Leary - Box For Ellis

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