Port Vale: Season ticket price rises to stand, says Keith Ryder
KEITH Ryder says he is determined to boost crowds at Vale Park next season, even though he will not lower season ticket prices if he completes his takeover of the club.
Administrators Begbies Traynor have raised the cost of 2012/13 season tickets by around five per cent.
-
Keith Ryder
That means the adult "early-bird" price for all areas except the Lorne Street Stand has risen from £259 to £272.
Ryder today ruled out changing the price rise, which has angered some fans, although he has pledged to review the cost of match-day ticket prices, which are due to rise by £1 to £22.50 for the Lorne Street stand and to £21.50 for all other areas.
****Best Deals**** Van Insurance for 17-24 Yr Old Drivers - Contact Insure365 on 01782 898188
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Friday, July 19 2013
"Encouraging attendance at Vale Park has to be a priority for us, which is why we will review matchday entry prices should my purchase of the club be successful," said Ryder.
"Season tickets remain the most cost-effective way to watch Vale for the 2012-13 campaign, which is why the price of these will not change.
"However, it's imperative that we focus on attracting more supporters to the club, which is why we will be looking at the cost of matchday tickets in all areas of the ground.
"I don't think there are any fans who do not wish to see Vale Park as full as possible for the coming season.
"This is the reason we will be looking at a number of initiatives to fill the ground, while being careful not to devalue the cost of a season ticket."
With season tickets already on sale and Ryder's £1.4m deal to buy the club unlikely to go through before the end of June, it is difficult to see how he could have cut prices anyway. However, timing would not be a problem should he want to reduce the matchday admission prices.
Meanwhile, Ryder has pledged to honour the deal which saw at least 15 fans buy lifetime tickets costing from £1,500 to up to £8,000 in 2005.
Club administrator Gerald Krasner revealed last week that Ryder was under no legal obligation to do so, but the Lancashire businessman said: "The fans who bought these tickets did so in good faith and therefore it is my intention to honour these deals.
"These tickets only relate to a small number of supporters, many of whom volunteer at the club for the benefit of Vale, so these contracts will stand."
Ryder, who was at the Globe Arena to see Vale draw 0-0 with Morecambe on Saturday, will address fans during an open forum at Vale Park on Wednesday (7pm).
While declining to talk about his bid to buy the club, he did reveal that he is married, in his 40s, and has three children.
When asked about his business background he added: "I'm a consultant by trade so I work with a number of companies."
Vale boss Micky Adams, below, held brief talks with Ryder on Friday, but admits his plans for next season largely remain on hold.
"It was a nice conversation," he said. Mr Ryder is looking forward to meeting the fans and they will make their own minds up about him.
"But my hands are tied to an extent until the creditors' meeting on April 26 and Mr Ryder's deal is approved by the Football League.
"There are a few obstacles to get past before he is in place."
Comments
by laythevale
Tuesday, April 17 2012, 2:19PM
“Just to be on the safe side, as last season, I will be using my Port Vale Visa card to buy my ST's, as they offer consumer protection for purchases of goods worth £100-£30,000. I checked with the card company and it doesn't matter to them if Vale are in administration and trading at the time of the purchase. If Vale go bust I claim off the card company.
The Vale card has no surcharge but others do. Why don't Vale encourage the purchase of ST's by these means by removing the surcharge, for this season at least?”
by ValiantFosse
Tuesday, April 17 2012, 1:14PM
“Algy7, I predict if Vale are promoted that STs will rise by at least £1 a game, i.e. to £13, good value for L1. Walk up prices are too high, I await developments.”
by algy7
Tuesday, April 17 2012, 12:03PM
“In reading the above article, It seems that we have the prospect of a genuine businessman taking over at the club, something that has been sadly lacking during the past decade. He states that he will not reduce the season ticket price already in place, but will look at pay on the day prices. Good thinking, you don't encourage people to come to the games if you increase admission, you drop prices to attract people to come to watch you !.
If the Vale are good enough to achieve promotion next season, I predict that there will NOT be an increase for the following season. If they don't, I predict that season tickets will be reduced. My reasoning, Next seasons' ST's are already on sale, and prices are set, and seem good value, and he may not be able to change them now, but the season after next, is another matter, and he will be in control.
I am certain that he will take a close look at the commercial side and attempt to bring in serious money to the club in the form of sponsorships. Speaking personally I would like to see JCB as the main sponsor to the club, and have its logo on the front of the Vale shirts. That would say a lot for a club like the Vale if they could attract such a world famous name to the club. KEEP THE FAITH.”
by Glennard
Monday, April 16 2012, 2:13PM
“Apologies for repeating myself!”
by Glennard
Monday, April 16 2012, 2:12PM
“Interesting comments about fostering 'Second Team' support. Wealdstone FC, my nearest non-league club (who interestingly play at 'The Vale') routinely offer half price entry for anyone holding a season ticket with another club. Quite a good idea?”
by Glennard
Monday, April 16 2012, 2:09PM
“Interesting to see the 'second team' comments. Wealdstone FC, my local non-league team (who interestingly play at 'The Vale') offer half price entry to anyone who holds a season ticket for another club. Quite a good move!”
by P_Swan
Monday, April 16 2012, 2:05PM
“Great and thoughtful comments (first time for a long time on all things Vale!!) every comment, positive, structured and honest!, things are on the up at our beloved club!! ;)
Season tickets are a 'touch' at the price that has been set, lets not moan about them.
Weekend watchers price has to drop a bit just for a while though, people are more skint than ever and please please think about OAP and nipper discounts!, respect the wise and encourage the young.
Anyway, young hungry new gaffer at the helm should be the perfect tonic for us!!... fingers crossed.”
by billbobagins
Monday, April 16 2012, 12:58PM
“A man with honour makes refreshing change look forward to Wednesday and his plan for the future of the Vale.
valeforever”
by ValiantFosse
Monday, April 16 2012, 11:22AM
“ST prices are reasonable at £272, price a game is less than £12, and even if 6 games are missed price per game is £16. It was not mentioned that Senior(62+) discount has returned, which means that a ST has reduced from £259 to £204, under £9 a game. Match day prices need reduction, Student offers and mini STs could be worthwhile, it looks as if Ryder will be more pro-active than has been the case in the past.”
by oliver3742
Monday, April 16 2012, 11:10AM
“Keith Ryder can't really do anything for the season ticket prices however looking at match day prices is a good sign. Getting more fans through the gates is a priority not only for future potential ticket sales but also the residuals of programmes, lottery, sponsorship deals etc.
What I will be interested to see is now that the warring factions have ceased hostilities how many supporters who refused to buy tickets last season will back up their words and purchase one this season not to mention purchase official goods from the shop.
If funds are indeed made available for MA to spend in the transfer window and some of the dead wood is released then next season should be quite an interesting one.”