Chairman David Sheepshanks has called on fans to remain loyal to the club and to renew their season tickets this summer. This season the Blues had around 20,000 season ticket holders but it is expected that there will be a drop-off this time around despite a price-freeze for those who paid early last year.

Sheepshanks said: "I appeal to supporters to back the club and renew. It is vital to have a vote of confidence from fans so that Joe can trade once again as a football club manager. The more leeway we can give Joe to prepare for next season the better."

Fans renewing prior to May 30th will have the price of next season's ticket frozen. For many that will mean paying the same for their ticket for three seasons running.

For those paying later than the May 30th cut-off there is a 3% rise from last season.

Town are also introducing a debenture scheme consisting of 10 and 20 year season tickets. The cheapest are £2,900 in the lower Greene King Stand (10 years) and £5,500 (20). The most expensive are in the directors box and cost £22,500 and £40,000 respectively.

Those purchasing a debenture will also get other benefits including an annual lunch with the players, management and directors. Anyone interested in a debenture should speak to the club prior to May 16th.

In addition to the debenture the club will also make a loan stock issue available to fans willing to invest five or six figure sums.

Sheepshanks says that discussions are ongoing with interested parties and that he would welcome interest from Peter Morris, the city banker who has expressed an interest in joiing the board: "At the moment I am seeking an indication of interest and have spoken to possible investors including members of the board. There are very strong controls.

"I welcome discussions with anyone who thinks they can help and would be delighted to speak to Peter Morris, who expressed his interest this week."

Sheepshanks also says that he is currently looking no further than the process of rebuilding after administration: "The club is more important than any individual and will benefit from all interested parties pulling together.

"In due course the shareholders will be able to elect a new board, including the chairman. At present I am only looking as far as refinancing the club."

A general share issue is targeted for the end of the summer. High levels of interest in season tickets over the next few weeks will allow the club to issue the shares then rather than be forced into postponing until later.

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