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We've responded to fans over prices - Gartside

2:59pm Thursday 22nd February 2007

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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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James, Bolton says...
9:10am Thu 22 Feb 07

Gartside is a pariah as far as I am concerned. Always coming across as the big "I am" - he thinks BWFC fans owe him something - well Phil, you're owed nothing mate. I await the day with joy when you leave BWFC.

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Derek Chevaux, says...
9:43am Thu 22 Feb 07

James, give the man a break! This is a step in the right direction and should be applauded. Gartside isn't perfect but we are a far more professional outfit now and we are making great strides forward both on and off the pitch. Lets stop moaning all the time and value the fact that we're 5th in the Premiership. These are the good times so enjoy them!

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Lee, Bolton says...
9:47am Thu 22 Feb 07

I agree with the comments of Malcolme Clarke, but would take it one stage further!!!
Supermarkets should give us free food, petrol stations should give us free petrol and we should charge banks for using their services.
Get a life Malcolm, some people are just never happy!!!!

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James, Westhoughton says...
10:29am Thu 22 Feb 07

Derek Chevaux wrote:
James, give the man a break! This is a step in the right direction and should be applauded. Gartside isn't perfect but we are a far more professional outfit now and we are making great strides forward both on and off the pitch. Lets stop moaning all the time and value the fact that we're 5th in the Premiership. These are the good times so enjoy them!
I am not moaning Derek. I just dont like Gartside, plain and simple. I am very reluctant to hand over any of my hard earned money whilst he is the club Chairman

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Jon, says...
10:42am Thu 22 Feb 07

James, you are a muppet. We wouldnt be where we are without Gartside. He is the chairman of the club not the owner. Your money does not go into his pockets. He runs the club and on the whole does a very good job. He was the man responsible for the greatest decision in Bolton Wanderers history....To give Sam a 10 year contract. We are still reaping the rewards of that today.

Get over yourself and stop spouting rubbish!

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James, Westhoughton says...
10:48am Thu 22 Feb 07

Jon wrote:
James, you are a muppet. We wouldnt be where we are without Gartside. He is the chairman of the club not the owner. Your money does not go into his pockets. He runs the club and on the whole does a very good job. He was the man responsible for the greatest decision in Bolton Wanderers history....To give Sam a 10 year contract. We are still reaping the rewards of that today. Get over yourself and stop spouting rubbish!
Jon - Tony Blair ensured my grandparents got free TV Licences and Winter Fuel Payment, does not mean I have to like the guy because he did something worthwhile.

The problem with Bolton fans is that unless you conform to this whole attitude that PG and SA are the best thing since sliced bread you are name-called and critisied for it.

I respect your opinion, shame you're narrow minded and cannot respect mine.

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Big Nige, Africa says...
11:44am Thu 22 Feb 07

James wrote:
Jon wrote: James, you are a muppet. We wouldnt be where we are without Gartside. He is the chairman of the club not the owner. Your money does not go into his pockets. He runs the club and on the whole does a very good job. He was the man responsible for the greatest decision in Bolton Wanderers history....To give Sam a 10 year contract. We are still reaping the rewards of that today. Get over yourself and stop spouting rubbish!
Jon - Tony Blair ensured my grandparents got free TV Licences and Winter Fuel Payment, does not mean I have to like the guy because he did something worthwhile. The problem with Bolton fans is that unless you conform to this whole attitude that PG and SA are the best thing since sliced bread you are name-called and critisied for it. I respect your opinion, shame you're narrow minded and cannot respect mine.
James, you are a whinger. sounds like you are a closet red. So off you go. Bye Bye. We don't need idiots like you.

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True Marple White, Stockport says...
11:47am Thu 22 Feb 07

I will believe this when I see it. Last season I was told that In the Lion of Vienna by Gartside himself that prices would not increase in the Suite.

What did I do............put them up £500 each!!!!!!!

Lets wait and see!!!

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London White, London says...
11:57am Thu 22 Feb 07

james, what's your problem....? people for whom the glass is always half empty are so tiresome

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Bobcat, Bolton says...
12:42pm Thu 22 Feb 07

You could knock 50% off the price of a season ticket and i still would not return to the reebok, you have already lost thousands of fans like me and once gone we wont return, who would constantly shell out their hard earned cash, for poor facilities (Kiosks), poor customer service (stwewards, Kiosk staff) and a poor quality of entertainment, sorry the football bubble has burst. James you should know better than to criticise anyting connected to Sam and Gartside, they are the second coming!

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Steve Battersby, Oldham says...
12:50pm Thu 22 Feb 07

As predicted in my contribution of yesterday, some individuals have posted negative statements concerning the ticket price reduction. This they are entitled to do. Equally, as with 'Bobcat' they are entitled to refrain from attending future matches at The Reebok. So let's not get too upset because these individuals have views that do not appear to conform to those of the majority. Debate makes the world go round - however, as I stated in my previous comment, these people are no longer essentially relevant to the future of the club and therefore we must go forward without them. With that, unlike some contributors, I have no problem whatsoever.

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Jon, says...
1:39pm Thu 22 Feb 07

Obviously criticising the most successful chairman-manager partnership at Bolton in over 30 years is the way forwards then!

Most clubs would eat their right arms to have Sam and Phil in charge, but at Bolton it's a different story! Trouble is PEOPLE NEED EXCUSES. They dont just want to say they arent that fussed about football and will watch every so often when the mood takes them.

What they all say is "im a die hard hardcore fan, who has been for the last 30 years but I wont go anymore because of ****.."

The **** are the excuses. The excuses for the fact that MOST people in Bolton arent that fanatical about their home team or even football in general.

If you took all the so called "hardcore" Bolton fans who attended without fail for 30 years but now arent going, you could fill Wembley stadium! It's all a load of absolute cobblers!

The club is in its healthiest position for years, it can compete consistently with all but 4 clubs in the country. The real fans of Bolton couldnt want for more.

The rest are desperately trying to think up some more "excuses" to maintain the facade that deep down they really are MASSIVE football fans!

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mike wilkinson, Charleston S.Carolina says...
2:10pm Thu 22 Feb 07

sheep shearer needed, westhoughton area. Apply W.backjames

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Eric Fishwick, Atherton says...
3:55pm Thu 22 Feb 07

In response to James.I respect your opinions on Mr Gartside,I agree with some of them and the world would be more boring if we all agreed on everything.But since Mr Gartside came to BWFC the club has come alive,from being a unambitious decaying club with no prospects whatsoever,we are now 5th in the Premiership,have one of the nicest grounds in the country,have had and still have some world class footballers in our team.Its obvious we are doing very nicely thank you by the way the media and supporters from other clubs hate us. Great.They also hate Man U,Liverpool,Chelsea ect. I know Gartside has not done it all himself, Mr Davies should be thanked from bottom of our hearts,but isn't it better having a Chairman who gets his butt off his arse and gets things done. I have watched Bolton since 1959 and have witnessed some utter bilge, under the stewardship of people I consider to have bled the club dry. Better not name names,but the older support know exactly what family I am on about.

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Bob Carter, Marple says...
4:33pm Thu 22 Feb 07

Dead right Eric. I'm sixty odd years old and supported BWFC forever. I've done Exeter away on wet Wednesday nights and Darlington away on damp and dreary nights.
There's nowt down for it.
The club is in it's best position for years....no-one can argue with that. So carry on Mr Davies, Sam and Phil and all concerned, you're doing a fantastic job.
dreary Tuesday nights.

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Bee gee, Preston says...
4:49pm Thu 22 Feb 07

MOAN,MOAN,MOAN.
WANDERERS FREEZE PRICES, MOAN,MOAN,MOAN.WANDERERS REDUCE PRICES, MOAN,MOAN,MOAN. WILL ALL YOU MOANERS CLEAR OFF, GO AND (SUPPORT?) SOME OTHER TEAM.

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Jimmy, Halifax says...
5:17pm Thu 22 Feb 07

Fair play to the club for actually doing something about the issue, however, I feel there is more wrong that just the price.

I haven't renewed my season ticket this year for the first time in years because the matchday experience is poor as has been discussed many times.

Therefore, they now need to move forward on this area also improving car parking, kiosks Q's, etc etc.

And for what it is worth my idea for improving the atmosphere would be half of the east or west stand lower to have unreserved seating for over 16s only, I am certain that would improve things!!

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Andy, adlington says...
5:44pm Thu 22 Feb 07

The price for a match day ticket has to be reduced to a figure in which the normal working man can afford. The price should be in the region of £20 for the dearest seats this would certainly increase gates. The fact is that our club and many more clubs have the opportunity of delivering the sum without loosing a penny. I am not dissing the reduction i am stating a fact that football is overpriced to the working class man and you might as well keep the current price as the figures muted will not make a difference to the stay away fans. From my personal point of view i am lucky enough to be able to afford my match day.

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John Holloway, Fearn Ross-shire says...
7:55pm Thu 22 Feb 07

People with a family to feed and earning six and seven pounds per hour will feel little or no benefit in a ten percent reduction.
The magic number for Bolton next year will be fifteen thousand, if they can clear more than that in season tickets, privately they will be happy. Only a very unlikely champions league place could stop yet another drop in season ticket sales.
The best team we have had for decades, but the greedy club owners are spoiling it for the working class supporters.

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Stan, Burnden says...
8:35pm Thu 22 Feb 07

In fact the reduction will not cost the club a penny if at least 2500 additional adult season tickets are sold. So no benefit is really going to the fans. What it has done is to smoke out all the fakes who now use some other pathetic excuse for not going. Good! We don't want you back - get some punters with a bit of fresh enthusiasm in instead.

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nick, Bolton says...
9:09pm Thu 22 Feb 07

Firstly, congratulations and thank you to Phil Gartside and the board for reducing ticket prices. It shows that the club really is listening to the fans.

If the club could now resolve the problems with the car park and the catering/kiosks then I'm sure the fans will flood back.

To reduce the queues at the kiosks why don't they sell plastic bottles of beer as well as draft like they do at Sheffield United? Might improve the atmosphere as well.

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Nev, Bolton says...
10:32pm Thu 22 Feb 07

Reducing queues at Reebok kiosks? They should do the same as Sunderland - have a load of people at the back of the kiosks pulling nothing but pints. All the servers have to do is reach over and grab what the punter wants. If he wants 10 pints..there you are mate..gimme the money! It would be good for everyone, more pints sold, and there'd be time for 3 or 4 pints at half time instead of gulping down one before the match restarts!

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bob, says...
10:50pm Thu 22 Feb 07

to John Holloway-get real! If the club gave away free tickets-it still would not be enough for some people.I,and my family have season tickets-we work,not well off but we have priorities and football is one.Stop the whinging and the use of the "working class" labels.If you don't want to go-say so.I am fed up with people blaming everyone else.When i can't afford to go, i just say so.Keep blaming the chairman,the manager,the stewards,the parking attendants,the weather.the kick off times,the temperature of the beer-i could go on and on.Now its the "working class"!!!!! Life unfortunately isn't fair-and we have to face facts that we can't afford everything-if you live in the dreamland that everything is free and there is no need for profit,gain or investment then wake up and smell the roses.When i go to work-i expect to be paid and my company do as well.We can't all be charities for the good of the working people. When it was 5quid a ticket-did we have a full house? No, which is suprising isn't it-but then again still not cheap enough was it.

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dan, bolton says...
11:08pm Thu 22 Feb 07

cant see it making much of a difference to be honest. for me, i still go, and for most of my mates, who by the way we've all benn going since the early 80's. i hardly ever enjoy the match day experience any more. to be honest apart from the odd match {arsenal in the cup} it bores me..oh yeah and i enjoyed darlington away on wet tuesday's more than i do playing liverpool utd etc..am i sick! is it just me??i'l still go because it's bred in me..but to be honest it's more out loyalty than enjoyment..

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bolton till i die, bolton says...
11:43pm Thu 22 Feb 07

i think it is defo a step in the right direction for the club yes it will prob bring a few more ppl to the stadium, and i will be renewing my season ticket again this season and the next and the next, i will always purchase a season ticket even if we go down to the 3rd division, but something relli dose need to be done about the atmosphere we need it none stop for the whole 90mins but what can be done suggegtions should be made and actions must be taken so we can achive this....

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mike wilkinson, Charleston S.Carolina says...
2:50am Fri 23 Feb 07

James
Apologies really annoyed and no time to comment. However what do y'all want.
Success comes with a work ethic, not too pretty but effective and I praise Sam for that. Entertainment one must expect in stages, there will be moments/games to take the breath away but it has always been so.
Memories are made of these moments and we all have them. I have Freddie Hill/ Bolton/Liverpool.Super John,Andy,Jason,even Roger Hunt,Wynn Davies
Gareth Williams (good beer drinker)Terry Wharton,Big Frank, alan Gowling,John Byrom,Nicho,Paul Fletcher, Bolton 2 Sheff Utd 1. The point is we now have a team to compete at the highest level (almost) and pride in our club,manager and chairman. WE are BOLTON.My thanks to you all, sorry I have to live in he land of weird sports but bolton my heart.

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mike wilkinson, Charleston S.Carolina says...
2:57am Fri 23 Feb 07

Does anyone remember that Sheffied Utd game with the "kids"
Waldron,Jones,Jones.G,Seddon,Fletcher,Big S?
My memory fails me but would appreciate team from someone

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K, Bolton says...
11:01am Fri 23 Feb 07

10% is just not enough - I and at least 4 other Season Ticket Holders are not renewing next season - we'll take advantage of all the deals for non STH's instead and not have to endure the rank awful 'clean sheet' games.

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Eric Fishwick, Atherton says...
11:41am Fri 23 Feb 07

In response to Mike in South Carolina. !6th January 1971. Boswell,Ritson,McCallister,Waldron,Hulme, P Jones(may have been his debut),Redfern,Seddon,Fletcher,G Jones,Philips. Attendance was 10,146.And we still got relegated.

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Gareth, says...
12:51pm Fri 23 Feb 07

Yes, I'm pretty much in agreement with John from Adlington, when he says that the dearest price should be around 20 quid. I think that's probably an accurate market figure. I previously thought Bolton might get away with an average price of 22 quid. However, considering recent supporters' comments, it's just not going to happen. To fill the Reebok, the prices will have to be reduced further.

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Richard Branson, Peru says...
1:26pm Fri 23 Feb 07

To all the moaners who are quibbling over a couple of hundred quid a year, there's a simple solution....Get off your @rse's and get a better job! For Christ's sake, if you're on 6 or 7 pounds an hour you really need to have a word with yourselves and make something of your life rather than just bungling along in a miserly existence....and if you've got 4 kids, how the **** are you realistically going to support them on such a pittance, with or without going to the match? If you're unhappy with your lot and feel you're not getting a fair deal, then don't blame the board you can't afford it, blame yourself and do something about it.

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Skin, Spain says...
3:54pm Fri 23 Feb 07

So if Phil put prices up you would moan, he lowers them you complain. What club needs fans like that, get behind the Whites not on top of them. He's listened and acted, did the Warbies ever do that? Well done Phil.

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John Holloway, Fearn Ross-shire says...
5:30pm Fri 23 Feb 07

Half hearted schemes dont work, Boltons record speaks for it self. I remember paying five pounds for a midweek game against Grimsby, over twenty five thousand punters turned up.
I really cant see the current sixteen thousand season tickets increasing, not unless we give the public a real discount.
I see the club is not going to charge Blackburn fans fifteen pounds, why does this not suprise me.

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Andy, Cockermouth says...
6:34pm Fri 23 Feb 07

These moaning fans sound a bit too much like City supporters on GMR for my liking.

10% is better than another kick in the balls

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alex, says...
7:23pm Fri 23 Feb 07

I must say congratulations on reducing the prices and I can realise the careful calculations needed to balance the books and also invest. However the fact still remains, apart from match day ticket or season tickets, a great problem is car park, food and beverages, bus service and programme are highly priced. Perhaps discounts should be made in these departments, giving special offers for season ticket holders eg. half price parking. I think this would entice more supporters to the home games by reducing prices of miscellanious extras. The online booking prices should also be over looked

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Jordan, Manchester says...
10:18pm Fri 23 Feb 07

I think its a step in the right derection.

I find it a shame that so many of our 'fellow' supporters have such a short memory. Just 6 years ago we were in Division 1/the championship, and so many of us would have re-mortgaged our homes to see bolton play in europe... now we've done that and should be doing again next season, its like our expextations have increased, but why? we're still a small club and always will be. Gone are the days when Bolton could attract over 40,000 fans, and it seems gone are the days when we can even fill the reebok. We used to fill the ground when we were struggling against relegation but we cant when we're challenging for europe (is it just me or is that all wrong?). We have a great home record and yet it still doesnt help!

The other thing that needs to be taken into account is that the club is still in a tramendous amount of debt (£30m), but they have still spent a lot in the transfer market to give the fans what you want, and still your not happy? We'd all love an abramovic, but if we cant even fill the reebok, what billionaire would want to invest in bolton??

Its time for all bolton fans to come together, get behind the team and help get the club onto even bigger and better things.

C'mon you whites!

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Stuart, manchester says...
10:11am Sat 24 Feb 07

Well done to Bolton for making a step in the right direction but I surgest one step further. I have been attending bolton games for over 25 years and have had a seson ticket for at least 1/2 that time. I have had the same seat at the reebok since it opened but enough about me what can bolton do to improve gates and not lose more loyal season ticket holders, how about this 10% discount next season for all new season ticket holders 15% if you have had a ticket for 5 seasons 20% for 7 season and 25% for 10 seasons. This of course will not be taken on board but it would be a great way to reward loyal fans who have supported the club through thick and thin as well as the new/returning fan

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William, Bolton says...
11:30am Sat 24 Feb 07

James wrote:
Jon wrote: James, you are a muppet. We wouldnt be where we are without Gartside. He is the chairman of the club not the owner. Your money does not go into his pockets. He runs the club and on the whole does a very good job. He was the man responsible for the greatest decision in Bolton Wanderers history....To give Sam a 10 year contract. We are still reaping the rewards of that today. Get over yourself and stop spouting rubbish!
Jon - Tony Blair ensured my grandparents got free TV Licences and Winter Fuel Payment, does not mean I have to like the guy because he did something worthwhile. The problem with Bolton fans is that unless you conform to this whole attitude that PG and SA are the best thing since sliced bread you are name-called and critisied for it. I respect your opinion, shame you're narrow minded and cannot respect mine.
Lets not forget that Garside was responsible for the fiasco over Carling Cup Final tickets ( 20000 or thereabouts season tiekts holders 30000 allocation and 2 tickets each- result many season ticket holder went without.)
I feel he has also misled fans over thing like the financing of the stadium and the involvement of BWFC in the hotel. If BWFC/ Burnden Leisure have no involvement in the hotel why is it listed with BWFC in the 'phone book?

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