Season ticket sales ‘steady’

OLDHAM RL Club says season tickets are selling “steadily” ahead of a 2012 Championship One campaign which will have more riding on it than any of the Roughyeds’ previous five.

Four of the 10 clubs will be promoted — two more than previously — and the six left behind will be joined in 2013 by four new development clubs from across the country in the RFL’s “bold new landscape”.

In stark contrast, the four promoted outfits will compete in a 14-club Championship against comparatively well-supported traditional clubs like Featherstone, Leigh, Halifax, Batley and Dewsbury which could easily triple or quadruple vital revenue for clubs like Oldham.

“It’s going to be a tough, exciting and extremely important season,” said Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

“We’ll need all the support we can get from our loyal fans to help us to achieve our goals.

“I can report steady business on season-ticket sales and in the current financial climate which represents reasonable success.

“They are better value than last year so we are hoping fans will take advantage before the 5pm deadline tomorrow.”

Although match-day prices have been pegged at last year’s levels, season-tickets have been significantly reduced even allowing for only 11 guaranteed home games (nine in the league and two in the Northern Rail Cup) against 12 last year.

The Oldham chairman added: “We understand that times are difficult. We have tried to strike a balance between providing a team fans want to watch while also considering the interests of both the club and those who pay to support it. It isn't easy.

“We are also going to be spending heavily on the ground — and with only 11 guaranteed home games we don’t have many pay days.

“There’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow so we have to maximise income from home games while also appreciating that these are tough times for everyone. We appreciate the loyal support that so many people offer us.”

Compared with match-day prices over 11 games, season tickets offer savings of £34 for an adult buying a seat or £32 for an adult who wishes to stand.

MATCH-DAY PRICES (same as last season): adults £12, concessions £10, under-16s £4; Transfer to seats (subject to availability) £2.

SEASON TICKETS 2012 (11 games): standing, adults £100, concessions £90, under-16s £30; seating, adults £120, concessions £110, under-16s £50.

SEASON TICKETS 2011 (12 games): standing, adults £125, concessions £105, under-16s £30; seating, adults £150, concessions £130, under-16s £55.

The club office in Lansdowne Road, Chadderton (0161 628 3677) is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but the deadline for biggest savings on season tickets is 5pm tomorrow.