BOLTON have today slashed their season ticket prices for 2007/2008.
The move comes as the M.E.N. steps up its campaign to give fans a fair deal after the Premiership won a record é2.7bn three-year TV deal.
Prices at the Reebok Stadium will drop by an average of 10 per cent.
The M.E.N. initiative - followed up by the national media - has won high-profile backing from England boss Steve McClaren, FA chief executive Brian Barwick, Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan and players' union boss Gordon Taylor. City and Wigan have already taken steps to give the fans a fairer deal. The Blues have frozen adult season ticket prices for the fourth season running, and cut the cost of junior Seasoncards.
And the Latics have pledged that matchday tickets at the JJB Stadium next term will cost no more than é15, having already slashed prices for this season's remaining home games.
Bolton's decision to cut their prices follows a drop in season ticket sales last summer.
Average crowds at the Reebok Stadium have fallen to 23,000, even though Sam Allardyce's side are challenging for a Champions League place.
Delighted
Allardyce, who has often urged the Bolton public for better backing, is delighted by the decision. "We recognise fans have to dig deep in their pockets to watch top-flight football," the Bolton boss said.
"This has become a serious issue that has reached a crescendo across the country. We feel duty-bound to make a stance by reducing the cost for our season ticket holders.
"We have listened to the fans and we feel that the time is right to act by reducing the cost of football for our most loyal supporters.
"If you want to get into Europe, the fans play a massive part with the atmosphere they create at the Reebok Stadium.
"Without that atmosphere, the players find it difficult to reach the top end of their game."
Wanderers will announce their detailed season ticket and membership plans shortly, which are set to include a range of other cost-saving initiatives.
Momentum
Wanderers' move comes with our campaign to cut ticket prices gathering momentum.
A nationwide fans' group launch their own on-line petition against sky-high prices.
The Football Supporters Federation agrees with the M.E.N. that TV money should be used to lower the cost of tickets.
And the group argues that no away fan should have to pay more than é15 for a Premiership ticket; a response in part to protests from United fans who are sick of seeing home clubs raise their prices whenever the Reds are in town. The FSF also want a freeze on all matchday and season-ticket prices.
And they are furious with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon's recent comments that there is no chance of ticket prices being cut at Stamford Bridge because all funds were required for increased salaries.
"Peter Kenyon is reported as saying that the club has no intention of lowering ticket prices as his players will be demanding big pay rises," said FSF chairman Malcolm Clarke. "Sorry Peter. Get real. Here on planet Earth, most people view professional footballers in the Premier League as being paid enough already. Chelsea and every other club in the Premier League are going to receive extra millions in broadcasting income next season. It is time this was shared out with the fans."
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well done Bolton, I hope you get what you deserve....a full house for every game, this from a City fan watching with interest.
So exactly what are the prices for season ticket at Bolton? I could pay £460 for a seat that is near the half way line on the 2nd Tier in the East Stand at City's ground. This price will increase after March 9th and then again in April.
About time an all. Loyal supporter since the age of 5 years old.
Could also do with them slashing cup game ticket prices to about £15. That way we might actually get 25,000 as opposed to the 21,000 that showed up for the Arsenal fa cup replay.
It's good that the Bolton board have cut their season ticket prices by 10%. However, I believe they'll have to slash prices even further if they want a full house at the Reebok. This reduction will not do the job.
Bolton Wanderers should be dropping the prices for away fans as should Blackburn and Wigan. United have no room to criticise any team charging high prices for away support, when they charge City fans £42.50, I travel to many away games and have a season ticket at Manchester City, I think City should charge the likes of Blackburn, Wigan, Bolton and United the overpriced amount they charge our fans. I was disgusted after paying £37. to go to Blackburn this season, Bolton fans had a reduced ticket price because they knew Bolton dont have a massive following. Why don't they charge us the same we would fill the away stand like we used to do before the ridiculous rise in prices. I dont understand the mentality, if you charge less more people will go, and you will make more money. As for Peter Kenyon and Chelsea, the answer to that is boycott Chelsea games away and he will soon get the message.