BOLTON Wanderers fans will be the first to profit from a radical cut-price ticket initiative launched by Blackburn Rovers to arrest the dramatic decline in Premiership attendances.

Like many clubs Rovers are so concerned by the slump in crowd figures that they have slashed prices by less than half for the local derby duel with Wanderers at Ewood Park later this month.

The initiative is believed to be the first of its kind by a Premiership club.

It comes in response to feedback from their own fans, who have cited high ticket prices as one of the main reasons for not attending matches as regularly as they once did.

Rovers have averaged just 19,418 for their first four Premiership fixtures this season - 1,500 down on last season's average and almost 10,000 below the Ewood Park capacity.

Now, in the first of a series of promotions, they have cut prices for the Wanderers match on Sunday, October 22 (kick-off 3pm), to £15 for adults and £5 for pensioners and children. The aim is to re-ignite the passion for a fixture that is steeped in tradition and which, in 1929, attracted the club's record attendance of 62,522 but last season was watched by just 18,180.

Top priced tickets, including those allocated to away fans, would normally be £32 for adults and between £13 and £20 for concessions. Blackburn chairman John Williams said: "Normally clubs may discount what they view as a low profile game but we are doing something radically different here because this is a Lancashire derby and a match fans want to see.

"We are hoping for a full house as both sides have started the season well and all the feedback from supporters is they want to watch games in packed stadiums because it creates a better atmosphere."

Rovers are aware that the cut price deal will be of no direct benefit to their season ticket holders, but Mr Williams said: "I'd like to reassure season ticket holders this move is in no way intended to undervalue their contribution to the club and these promotions will only be for a selected few games."

Wanderers have been allocated the entire lower tier of the Darwen End and ticket selling arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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