11:48am Friday 16th May 2008
By Toby Robinson
CREWE have frozen season ticket prices in an attempt to build bridges with disgruntled supporters.
Alex chairman John Bowler hopes the decision along with a new family initiative will appease some of the ill feeling sparked after another campaign of deep disappointment.
The club's decline following the sale of Dean Ashton back in 2005 is well documented with those Champaigne years now feeling a world away.
And avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth has proved the final straw for some, vowing to stay away until widespread change.
Ipso facto - that attitute won't solve a bean.
Bowler says he understands the disappointment but is keen to move on and wants everyone on the same page to reverse this silde.
Freezing prices effectively for the third year running puts them among the cheapest in League One.
"Obviously we are all very disappointed with the club's overall performance last season," admitted Bowler.
"While the level of injuries was a major problem, we will not make excuses.
"We are reviewing the season in detail, indentifying lessons to be learnt and planning accordingly for next season.
"Thank you to all of our supporters who have contacted us with their comments.
"Be assured we do take notice.
"We're not increasing season ticket prices and membership fees for the third year in succession.
"Obviously this means next season's prices represent a significant discount in real terms and our admission prices will be even more competitive in relation to other League One clubs.
"Season ticket holders will not only have priority booking for home cup and friendly matches but be offered discounted prices wherever possible."
Adults will pay £285, 17-19-year-olds £170 with 12-16-year-olds costing £70.
Bowler insists the club is doing all it can to secure younger supporters with additional incentives for the Wulvern Housing Family Stand.
Adults will fork out £265 with an accompanied juinor under 11 paying just £20 for the season.
An additional under 11-year-old pays £45 while the Excutive Suite is being handed over to families with facilities.
"Not only are we offering attractive prices but season ticket holders will be able to enjoy the facilities of the Executive Suite and activities that we hope will attract more families to enjoy outings at the Alexandra Stadium."
The club's decision has been welcomed by the majority of supporters although Crewe ASi spokesman Marco Criscuolo says they feel more should have been done.
"We have to say that we are very pleased to see that prices have not gone up," he said.
"The club is to be commended for resisting what must be an irresistible temptation to do otherwise.
"Nevertheless we had been hoping for a little more.
"We had hoped the club might do something to seduce the apparently growing number of those who will decide not to buy a season ticket."
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.creweguardian.co.uk