To renew or not to renew?

[Scott]

From the MEN:

NINETEEN per cent of Manchester United fans asked in a survey said they would not renew their season tickets because of the cost.

Despite an average 12 per cent increase in season ticket prices, the Reds have still been over-subscribed for next season, but the increased cost is beginning to bite.

Across the leagues, a study by Virgin Money found that more than 200,000 football fans will not renew their season tickets this summer.

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The survey consulted 690,000 season-ticket holders from clubs across the country, and the results show 29% blame the rising costs of following their team or the poor quality of football on offer as the reasons for not renewing.

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A whopping 31% of Aston Villa season-ticket holders consulted said they will be absent next campaign because of the standard of football on display.

Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “We’ve been begging clubs to peg ticket price rises for ages now. It appears that if this research proves correct our worst fears will be proved correct.

“Football in this country is simply pricing itself out of the market compared to other top European countries like Germany and Spain. With the new money coming into football from the newly announced Premier League television deals there should be a price freeze on tickets at a minimum.”

Virgin Money estimate the total spent per season by football fans across Britain is a staggering £8.8billion, with season-ticket holders spending a average of £1,875 each a season.

Percentages of season-ticket holders not intending to renew next season:

Due to cost: Man Utd 19%, Birmingham 18%, West Brom 17%, Cardiff 16%, Portsmouth 14%.

Due to standard of football: Villa 31%, Millwall 29%, Wolves 28%, Southampton 27%, Sunderland 26%.




In the 10 seasons before the Glazers came to Old Trafford, United's season ticket prices increased by a total of 100% So lets say, on average, 10% a season. This season, it's an average of 12%, and 1/5 of all season ticket holders are saying they're not going to renew their season tickets?

Their decission is more to do with Glazer, and the feeling or needing to make a point, rather than the actual money itself, in my opinion. United season ticket holders were prepared to pay increased prices when we were winning the league nearly every year...but an American comes in, we finish 2nd in the league, and all of a sudden the same increases are too expensive. Fair weather fans.

I'm one of the lucky fellas who will have a brand new season ticket next season. 500 and something quid to see arguably the most attractive football in England. Count me in!

[7even]

Whenever one fan decides not to renew their season ticket at OT, there’s always 3 fans willing to take their place. So it doesn’t bother me. Had the Glazers not have come in and tickets sales had gone up, you can bet your bottom dollar those fans who aren’t renewing because its ‘’too expensive’’ wouldn’t have any issues with the prices. Some people make me sick, they want everything for free and well it’s not going to happen. Yes, things are expensive, prices will go up *sings*. .’’ that’s life ‘’

[Busby Boy]

I was going to apply for a season ticket but had a change of heart, and not because of price or quality of football on show. I love the feeling I get when I go up them steps and Old Trafford hits me, it's amazing! It's probably the same feeling I got when I was pushed out of my mother.
The reason me and my dad aren't applying is because: 1, most games will be evening therefore if my dad can't make it I'll have to catch a train and the last train from Manchester is 10pm, that means I'd miss that. And, 2 because every game I applied for this season with my One United membership I was succesful for a ticket. That's 17 in total!...so as you can see it's still like me having a season ticket!

I'm planning on going to a Manchester uni though so I will definitely get one then!

[Scott]

You'll definately try to get one then. We've been members for over 10 years and this is the first opportunity we've had to get ones of our own. So far, I havent spoken to a single person other than myself who's got one of these new ones.

For the evening games, you should look out for the National Express. They run until late and you can get them from £2 return

[Busby Boy]

I'll have to take a look at their site, cheers matey!...

[Chris]

Wish I could afford to get a season ticket and get to the games. I will do one day

Even though the ticket prices have gone up, as you said there is always another 3 or 4 people wanting to take any free seats so it wont affect United at all, which is good in some ways I guess.

[devilsneighbour668]

Ah my season ticket! I acquired mine from a bloke off the coach, I used to go to most games with my membership then this guy got really ill and had to give it up. They asked me if i wanted use of it for a bit and as you can imagine i snapped his hand off! After a couple of seasons he decided he wouldnt want it back so i had it put into my own name and now its all mine!!!! My prized possesion. Gutting tho that with the hours i work sometimes it goes unused, everyone always says they want to use it but pull out at the last minute cos of the cost or whatever. Honestly call themselves united fans then wont pay £20 to see them play?!?!?!?

[mancunian]

I think that is the problem with this type of research people say one thing and do another or the people answering the questions may have lied about having a season ticket.

I know a number of people who have heard nothing from their application for a season ticket via the United membership scheme. and according to official sources they were over-subscribed by a 4 figure number.

[redseven]

admin said:

So far, I havent spoken to a single person other than myself who's got one of these new ones.quote]

i have one

[bbb]

7even said:

Whenever one fan decides not to renew their season ticket at OT, there’s always 3 fans willing to take their place. So it doesn’t bother me. Had the Glazers not have come in and tickets sales had gone up, you can bet your bottom dollar those fans who aren’t renewing because its ‘’too expensive’’ wouldn’t have any issues with the prices. Some people make me sick, they want everything for free and well it’s not going to happen. Yes, things are expensive, prices will go up *sings*. .’’ that’s life ‘’

Nah mate, I don't agree with that, look at the lengths they've gone to in order to shift the new books, a few years ago you couldn't get one for love nor money now it's

"Season ticket holder? get one for a mate!"
"Ever been a member? no, be one and you can get a season ticket!"

Tickets last season just so easy to come by, got a ticket for Citeh on the day of the game, demand isn't what is used to be, despite what they say.

[punkfootball]

ive got mine next season, but i do feel ripped off, £650 for a 15 year old

[bbb]

f*cking hell.

Where's that sat fella?

[kingsroadred]

not matter how much it costs, theres nothing to beat the feeling of walking down matt busy way on a match day before kick off with your dad or mates going to the game

priceless feeling...

[bbb]

Yep, banter with your mates before the game, then walking up the steps and seeing the view of OT then "This is the one" blaring out

LOVE IT

[2olegend]

ive had 1 for 14 seasons and for now I can still afford it...my love for united is far greater than my hatred for glazer! the atmosphere is fucking shite for all but 4 games though!