Following on from concerns over the ticket pricing for our forthcoming League Two fixture at Swindon Town, Shots Trust Vice Chairman Ian Goodwright, sent an email to the Chairman of the Swindon Town Supporters Club, Roger Bunce, to express the dissatisfaction of a number of Shots supporters at the £25 entry fee being charged to visiting supporters by the Robins.
In his email, Ian wrote: “I am writing to you on behalf of the Shots Trust membership and the wider fan base at Aldershot Town.
As we all know, the cost of attending any football match these days is an expensive hobby. However, the pricing structure of the seats at the County Ground is way in excess of anything else in League 2.
At present there is some debate amongst our supporters as to whether they boycott our forthcoming match against Swindon Town in protest. This will be a shame for all concerned.
No doubt other Away Supporters have protested at the Club's stance.
Could you please relay this to the Club and if they have already commented on this matter, I would be pleased to receive a copy so that I can relay to our membership.”
Ian received the following reply from Roger: “With regards to your mail as you can imagine initially our pricing structure caused many comments among home
Supporters. The club decided to try and boost season ticket sales by encouraging fans with favourable prices.
I am now a concession and my early price of £189 (we are all seater) compares well to yours of £280, likewise a new purchaser here would have been £299 against your price of £380 . As far season tickets are concerned we sold some 5000, so it worked,
however those who come and pay on the day are obviously not so happy and this obviously includes the away following.
The board have already dropped the match day prices on some games making it cheaper for the away fans as well.
I guess some win and some lose certainly we offer better conditions than a number of grounds in the division and indeed the away supporters now have there own bar which they can enjoy near there entrance prior to the game.
As someone who has travelled home and away man and boy for some 50 years I appreciate your opinions.
Roger Bunce
Chairman STFC Supporters Club”
We are hoping that Roger will be able to relay Shots supporters concerns to the officials of Swindon Town Football Club and we will of course, update you as and when we hear anything further.