The one thing I always get annoyed by is anyone criticising football fans who attend games in general and especially ‘my own’ the Villa fans.
We might all have different opinions on kits, owners, managers and players, that does not make us fickle. It makes us fans.
What would make us fickle is if we didn’t turn up and support the club we love. But on current numbers for a season that looks like it could be somewhat fascinating and certainly fraught with issues (crisis, what crisis?!) we are very far from being fickle.
I have spoken with the ticket office at Villa and they have confirmed the (somewhat maligned) away ticket scheme has sold out.
Not only that though, our season ticket sales are up on this time last year.
Yup. We failed in year two to win promotion and still the claret and blue faithful are putting their money where our mouths are and paying in advance, come what may.
I was told, “Season tickets are up on last year.” They went on to explain that last June they had sold 2,296. This year the figure was 2,968.
It’s amazing really because at the time, all the reports of the crisis at Villa were emerging, the owner was nowhere to be seen, not even on twitter, and no one really knew what on earth was going on.
Another figure I was given was 88% of the 17/18 season ticket holders had already renewed.
With the trouble our owner and club appear to be in financial fair play and cash flow wise, ticket sales are even more crucial than usual. I say that because before, when Villa were in the Premiership, we counted for atmosphere but gate receipts compared with the ridiculous TV money really wasn’t that large a financial consideration.
So… I know it’s a tough one, players will be outgoing to fill the £40million gap we find ourselves in with the FFP but surely, for the love of Villa and for the fascination of the battle ahead, it is worth joining those of us already committed down at Villa Park?
I honestly have no idea if we can trouble the top six, I fear that mid-table might be success with the information currently doing the rounds of the problems the club face, but then with some of our youth having to come through, the battle will be well worth supporting for the real Villa fans won’t it?
That’s a rhetorical question, of course it will.
Information: https://www.avfc.co.uk/Tickets/season-tickets
How to buy: https://www.avfc.co.uk/Tickets/season-tickets/how-to-buy
Link to buying online: https://tickets.avfc.co.uk/subscriptions
