Season tickets — ‘buy early’ plea

OLDHAM RL Club are urging fans to purchase their season tickets for 2012 now.

Payment can be spread and supporters will enjoy “healthy” savings compared with turnstile prices, says chairman Chris Hamilton.

In real terms, a standing adult will save £32 over the season, almost £3 a match, while an OAP will save nearly £2 a game over the 11 games which are applicable — two Northern Rail Cup group games and nine Co-operative Championship One home games.

In a letter to 2011 season-ticket holders, Hamilton writes: “These are difficult economic times, but we hope you will continue to support the club by purchasing a season ticket again and taking advantage of healthy discounts on normal match-day ground admission.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control things did not progress as quickly as we would have liked in respect of ground developments during the past season.

“This was a source of frustration for staff and supporters alike, but now that we have finally put legalities to bed, work will be ongoing at the ground as we strive to improve facilities.”

Turnstile admission will be the same as last time — adults £12, concessions £10, under-16s £4. Transfer to a seat (subject to availability) will cost £2.

Season tickets for 11 games, bought before 5pm on November 30, 2011, are priced as follows:

Standing: adults £100; concessions £90; under-16s £30; Sitting: adults £120; concessions £110; under-16s £50.

Payment can be made by instalment with a minimum 50-per-cent deposit and the balance paid by November 30 this year.

Concessionary tickets include students under the age of 18 in full-time education on production of a valid students’ ID card.

Existing season ticket holders have until 5pm on Friday, November 11 to claim their seats, after which they will be placed on open sale.

Hamilton added: “We are treading a fine line and trying to do a balancing act.

“All our costs are going up, and we have work to do on the ground, yet we have nine home league games compared with 10 last season, and these are our biggest single source of income.

"On the other hand we understand how tough it is economically for everyone.

“We hope to increase our number of season-ticket holders and we trust that the facility to spread the cost up to November 30 will be a help in that direction.”

Season tickets can be applied for immediately at the Roughyeds office in Lansdowne Road, Chadderton (0161 628 3677), which is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.