2:59pm Thursday 22nd February 2007
By Gordon Sharrock
Wanderers Chairman Phil Gartside has explained that supporters' opinions prompted the club's announcement yesterday that season ticket prices next season would be cut by 10 per cent.
Wanderers became the first Premiership club to announce a cut in season ticket prices. The 10 per cent reduction across the board will mean the cheapest season ticket for the 2007-08 campaign will drop from £369 to £333.
The Bolton chief said the club had responded to waves of comments from fans - many of which appeared in the letters pages of The Bolton News and on our website - who reflected nationwide criticism over ticket pricing.
"We are reacting to the comments that have been made about value for money and affordability," he said.
"Last summer we froze prices, something we weren't given enough credit for doing. That was done to reward loyalty and we're doing the same again now."
The Football Supporters Federation gave a lukewarm response to the Wanderers initiative, suggesting they could have passed on a bigger benefit to fans from the windfall they will receive from the new £2.7 billion TV deal which kicks in next season.
Spokesman Malcolm Clarke said: "We will give Bolton only one and a half cheers because it is not very much in relation to the money they will get in, like other Premiership clubs.
"They could let everyone in free and still have almost as much money as they have got today."
But Gartside said a balance had to be struck between offering supporters value for money and maintaining success.
"We've invested in the team and been successful on the pitch for the last few years," he added. "This is part of getting the balance right - improving facilities and still giving value for money."
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