Pompey ticket torment

Wednesday, 23/03/2011

by S. J. Maskell, Shoot's Portsmouth blogger

We should be so lucky. Lucky, lucky, lucky!

We were lucky at Leicester. Lucky that Leicester’s forwards couldn’t finish. Lucky that Nugent caught that rebounding ball so well. Lucky that Rocha and Halford made so many last-ditch blocks. There’s a success story, the solid partnership that they have forged.

That’s football, it’s what keeps us enthralled.

It’s that time of the year when fans start doing the predictor. The equations involved become tortuous. It ought to be the a degree subject, BSc in ‘How many points do we need ....?’

Pompey fans are more involved in calculations of a financial nature. This year its, ‘How do we raise the early-bird season ticket money in under two weeks, in cash or through the club’s favoured payment plan company?’

The club has hiked prices. Matchday tickets will be £27 or £30. This makes the early bird price of £450 good value - £19.56 per match.

Good deal Pompey – so why make it so hard to buy? No credit or debit cards will be taken. So no phone or internet renewals. Cheque, cash or finance by post or in person.

Before the end of the month. Oh, and the finance company will take an administration (ironic) fee that eats up half of the advantage of the early purchase.

From April 1 (!) the price goes up to £499. Then you can use your card – for an additional, administration (ahem!) fee. Did I mention the on-the-day administration (argh!) fee for your matchday ticket? £2 extra if you find you can go at the last minute.

Pompey fans are renowned for their loyalty. Despite all the troubles of the last two years they want to keep on going to Fratton Park. Why the rush for the cash? Many fans will be hard pushed to find the money in the time-span.

When asked, a reply from the club contained the sentence: “As a club we are still recovering from the financial distress of the last year which almost saw the club go out of business.” Well – no kidding! The Club would be well advised to consider the financial distress of its fans in the current climate if it wishes to repair relationships.

Representations from the Pompey Trust were heard by Mr Lampitt yesterday. He has promised to take them to the Board. SOS Pompey are considering the possibility of a boycott. Over to you Mr Chainrai.

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