Aston Villa Going Backwards

Villa have announced ‘We’re going Back To The Future at Villa Park’ as they have rolled back season ticket prices to the 2005/06 prices.

This means a reduction of 5% which is good judging by we are amongst the lowest three charges in the Premiership already. Nice to see the loyalty us season ticket holders have shown is now being rewarded.

The club have also introduced a new discount structure for students AND members of the armed forces.

The club have stated: ‘Next season’s tariff is the first since the club was taken over and confirms the intentions of the new administration to connect firmly with its support-base.’ and Chief Executive Richard FitzGerald said:

‘Everyone associated with the club has been rightly proud of the value for money offered by an Aston Villa season or match ticket on a year-to-year basis and it was important to retain that reputation. There has been a great deal of discussion recently about the cost of watching top level football but the overall improvement of one of the most robust pricing structures around re-affirms this club’s understanding of the current social climate.’

‘The Football Supporters’ Federation launched a campaign highlighting the cost of watching soccer but the campaign hasn’t highlighted clubs which offer value for money. At Aston Villa we feel we do exactly that and our 06/07 headline Season Ticket price is the cheapest in this region despite us currently being the only Premiership club. As well as basic pricing, match grading has been retained to support a structure that means the cost of a ticket is relative to the quality of the opposition or importance of a fixture and the new 10% discount offered to students and members of the armed forces for season tickets anywhere in the stadium makes us even more keenly priced for next season.’

Season tickets go on sale from 16th April and are set to offer more benefits than before I believe.

Well done to the new boys for listening to the fans and for rewarding their loyalty, fans in general but more especially the season ticket holders are the life-blood and having spent out money on some very ‘average’ seasons, it is nice to know as the club pushes forward the fans are now as big a focus as anything else at the club once again.

Reports that my heated, cushioned seat, with drinks dispenser and pop up umbrella will be ready for the new season are yet to be confirmed.