Chief executive responds to feedback
Pompey have reported brisk season ticket sales after they went on sale this morning.
The club announced their prices for the 2015/16 season on Friday, which saw the base cost of a ticket remain the same for the third season in a row.
And the Blues have also responded to supporter feedback by increasing the length of the direct debit option to purchase tickets.
Chief executive Mark Catlin said: “There has been a steady stream of people arriving at the ticket office this morning and online sales are ticking over nicely. We have been pleased with the response so far.
“We have done our best in trying to keep prices down in a challenging economic climate. On the whole, the overall package seems to have gone down well.
“Some fans have correctly pointed out they are paying more as a result of the cash discount being withdrawn and the changes to the direct debit scheme, but there are valid reasons why we had to make these changes.
“Regarding the cash discount, we were advised by trading standards during this season that it was not appropriate to continue this offer after, apparently, some fans complained to them.
“The direct debit scheme has both set-up and ongoing monthly charges for the club and it was important that we simplified the system.
“There is a small, but still significant, number of fans who default on payments, which in addition to further costs to the club, causes operational issues for the ticket office and at the turnstiles on a matchday.”
But Catlin assured supporters that the club were listening to what they had to say.
He said: “We worked closely with the Pompey Supporters’ Trust on this question particularly.
“We know some fans are upset that the 10-month option has been shortened, so we have looked at this again and we are now offering a seven-month payment plan, instead of the originally proposed five-month one.
“Fans also have the option of paying a lump sum upfront of their choosing to make monthly payments even smaller.
“As a community club we are always working hard to keep prices as affordable as possible for our fans, while ensuring the manager has a competitive playing budget. It is a tricky balancing act, but we feel our season ticket offer is a fair one.”
The club, liaising with the Pompey Supporters’ Trust, have also produced a Frequently Asked Questions section on season ticket sales to respond to the queries both the club and the trust have received.
Click here to see the FAQs.
Click here to renew your season ticket online.