Value for money Wigan top of league
That is according to new research issued yesterday by ING Direct, which compares season ticket costs with the team’s performance in the top flight.
Wigan, Blackburn and Aston Villa are those who come up trumps, say the company. At the other end of the scale, Newcastle finish last with Spurs and Portsmouth also in the bottom three.
ING, however, claim they are seeing a shift with 17 out of the 20 clubs already announcing they are freezing or dropping their ticket prices for next year.
Research had shown that nearly one in 10 fans said that they would not renew if prices go up – the equivalent of around 45,000 season ticket holders.
It also revealed that the current climate has forced a small number of supporters to give up their tickets regardless of price changes.
More than one in 20 Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham followers surrendered their season tickets – twice that of the average club.
And while one in four fans (25%) have already saved up for next year’s season ticket, ING say a significant minority of supporters (38%) are forced to make serious financial sacrifices as they struggle to meet this cost.
ING Direct chief executive Johan de Wit said: “Many of our customers have dedicated savings plans in place to manage the cost of their season ticket.
“However, it is clear by the research that lots of supporters find it difficult to deal with such a large outlay at the beginning of the season, so it is good to see the majority of Premier League teams appreciate this and are not taking fans loyalty for granted.”
Meanwhile Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce says there is ‘nothing’ in reports linking the club with a move for Amr Zaki.
Egyptian striker Zaki is considering his options after Wigan manager Steve Bruce opted against turning his loan deal into a permanent arrangement.
Zaki is due to make a decision on his future next month, with his agent claiming four Premier League clubs have shown an interest.
Rovers are rumoured to be one of the clubs keen on the powerful front man, but Allardyce was quick to dismiss the speculation.
“There’s nothing in that one, no,’’ Allardyce said.
The Blackburn chief also reiterated his view that unsettled Paraguay international Santa Cruz, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal and manchester City, will only leave Ewood Park for the figure stipulated in his contract.
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