Town’s season ticket sales ahead of the 2016/17 campaign are down almost seven per cent on the same point a year ago. The early bird deadline for purchasing seats at the cheapest prices passed at midday on Monday.

Current sales are similar to those at the same point in the summer of 2014 and represents a drop in revenue of around £200,000.

It had been expected that the Blues would suffer a drop this summer after a less successful season - particularly at home - last year’s play-off finish having boosted sales to just over the 14,000 mark.

The Blues are ultimately likely to see season ticket numbers drop back to somewhere around 13,000 - not as far as some speculation has suggested - leading to an overall reduction of around £400,000 in revenue.

Asked about the anticipated drop in season ticket sales on Saturday’s Life’s a Pitch on Radio Suffolk, Blues MD Ian Milne said: “That’s a pity, we’re still up there. I understand what people say about it not being attractive football, but you can play attractive football and be in the relegation zone.

“We’re not in the relegation zone, we’re currently eighth and hopefully we’ll get higher. I don’t think anything’s changed in many ways. Yes, we’d love to be in the top six, but we’re still a great football club with a great following.”

He added that manager Mick McCarthy and owner Marcus Evans will meet in the summer to talk about their plans for the season ahead.

“The budget’s gone up [during 2015/16] and there’s going to be a discussion between Mick and Marcus in the summer about players and we need to wait for that,” the Blues MD continued.

“But I have no reason to think that he’s not going to continue to invest at or above the level he’s investing at the moment. There could be more money available, as there has been this season.”

As is the case every year, season ticket sales are currently suspended until Town’s divisional status for next year has been finally confirmed.

Photo: Action Images

runningout added 10:20 - Apr 15 We all know our club had the ability to walk this league, but have let it slip away yet again... This is why like me a moan is a must when it looks like we are being taken for a ride
4

BillBlue added 10:41 - Apr 15 HarryS S - In spite of your many comments (synonymous of somebody else who has very recently stopped posting!) you clearly tell us you have no idea of what being a football supporter really is! Otherwise how is it possible for you to suggest other supporters go and join other clubs? As a football team supporter it is impossible, for a real supporter to switch allegiance - that is where the problem lies.

3

BillBlue added 10:49 - Apr 15 HaryS S - You appear to be talking exclusively Season Tickets! Why not spare an occasional thought for those wonderful Town supporters who just cannot afford them?
3

HarryS_H added 12:27 - Apr 15 I sense you don't understand sarcasm. My point is that we've experienced half a season which hasn't been great so if that is the reason people are leaving then they are delusional. My point about Barcelona is that if all you want to see is good football then Barcelona is a good choice. I'm not talking about support I'm talking about people's opinion because obviously if you only watch town for good football then you're not a true fan? My comments are not about money, I completely understand it is a lot but if you're not renewing for petty reasonso that isn't loyal. If you can afford it then great, if you can't then that is a shame, hopefully we'll be on TV more.

-4

blueboy1981 added 17:34 - Apr 15 HarryS-H ............ maybe it's time to look in the mirror - if 'delusional' is the topic. What chance have we got of being attractive to any of the game fraternity i.e Media / TV playing the way we have, and continue to do so .... ?? Typical 'happy chap' who will accept anything - music to Evans and McCarthy's ears.
0

finzha added 19:41 - Apr 15 Beacon you're right be careful what y wish for
0

finzha added 19:57 - Apr 15 String a few wins together and suddenly MM will be the the best manager on the planet again - It is understandable if ppl are cancelling for financial or distance and family commitments, but what kind of supporter wants a good manager out of a club when we are doing well at 8th in the league and cancels their ticket just because they don't like the style in which we get our points? People didn't seem to mind hoofball when it got us a play-off spot last year...

-1

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls