COVENTRY City manager Mark Robins has called for ‘unity’ as season tickets for 2017/8 went on sale for the first time today – amid concern about a drop in attendances after an expected relegation.
Adult season tickets, with discounts for buying early, start at £299, while under-13s can get a season ticket entirely free.
Some fans’ ‘leaders’ at The Sky Blue Trust this morning said it was a missed opportunity to lower prices after heightened interest in the club from the Wembley victory.
Others pointed out the best adult prices amount to £13 per ticket and are mid-range for League Two.
Coventry City have four League One games left this season, and are all but mathematically certain to go down.
Fans’ group The Sky Blue Trust, hostile to the club’s ‘owners’ Sisu, last week published a survey of 360 season ticket holders, which claimed around 80 per cent of them claimed they may not be renewing their season ticket under Sisu.
It comes with the club mired in off-field politics and ongoing multi-party disputes, with hostility from some campaigners and groups to Sisu. Other fans on internet forums have been critical of the five-year agenda which has failed to deliver a takeover, while seemingly exonerating other parties in the dispute.
The club, currently a tenant at the Ricoh Arena, has consistently said it is denied 24/7 matchday revenues from a stadium and can only spend on the team a percentage of its other revenues – so ticket income is important.
Manager Mark Robins said: “I was extremely pleased to return as manager of Coventry City FC just over a month ago. Despite testing times, the squad has listened, worked hard, and given 100%.
“We have taken small steps forward on the pitch, and we’re beginning to make improvements off it, as we prepare for next year – whichever league the club may compete in.
“As nearly 43,000 witnessed at Wembley, Coventry has a tremendous following and your incredible support is such a fantastic advert for this football club. The players and staff draw inspiration and confidence from that, and I’d like to take that momentum and spirit wholeheartedly in to next season.
“My job is to create a side that not only play entertaining football, but winning football. We want to put a smile on the faces of all our supporters, by building a club you can identify with and be proud of.
“Most importantly, to realise the huge potential of this football club, we have to move forward together. We cannot achieve without togetherness and unity.
“As manager of Coventry City, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank every supporter who commits their time and hard earned money to a season ticket for 2017/18. This will provide vital backing in our efforts to build a successful team for next season, and your continued support is a such key part of that process.”
Season Tickets are available to buy at eticketing.co.uk/CCFC or 0844 453 9134, and also the Butts Park Arena Ticket Office.
The early bird period lasts until midnight on the May 31, when Season Tickets will revert to full price. All fans who snap up their Season Ticket in the early bird period will also be eligible for a FREE ticket to the Sky Blues first cup game of the new campaign.
For more information, go to www.ccfc.co.uk
