R'S FACING SEASON TICKET BACKLASH
By David McIntyre
Devlin on season tickets
QPR may review their admission prices for children after fans reacted angrily to a massive rise in the cost of season tickets.
Rangers announced this week that season ticket prices are going up by nearly 50 per cent in some areas of
Even allowing for the fact that season tickets for the current campaign were snapped up cheaply - with many fans buying before promotion was secured and subsequently watching Championship football at prices set in Division Two - this year's rise is astonishingly high.
It will make QPR one of the most expensive places to watch Championship football.
The cost of a season ticket renewal in the Loft End - £297 a year ago - is going up to £442.
But it is the cost for families and children that has caused the most concern.
The cheapest price for a new season ticket holder under the age of 16 will be £230 - more than Fulham charge.
A junior season ticket for the
The price hike will also hit OAPs and students.
It means the club that had supporters putting money in buckets to help them survive and proudly boasted their attendances under the slogan 'Real Fans, Real Football', now charge families and youngsters more than their Premiership neighbours.
Chief executive Mark Devlin yesterday (Thursday) defended the price increases but hinted there could be a rethink on families and children.
"I can understand the concern regarding those," he said.
"I will talk to the chairman and the rest of the board and see what may be done. Our future support is very important.
"I must stress that the prices were set taking into account how much money we'll need next season given the costs we face.
"If we were to come up with something for youngsters the money would have to come from somewhere else, and that's why we as a board need to sit down and discuss it."
News of the price hikes has provoked an angry response from fans posting on the QPR Loyal Supporters Association website messageboard:
"This is totally unjustifiable.... a terrible own goal by the board, who again are asking supporters to dig them out of the apparent financial mess," wrote one.
"Myself, my partner and brother have been season ticket holders for a total of 80+ years. This rise is an insult to the loyal supporters of QPR and there are three season tickets that will not be renewed. Thanks Messrs Power, Devlin and Paladini for wrecking a huge part of our lives. Shame on you."
Another, Paul Fisher, wrote: "This is outrageous. The club have spat in the face of fans who have been loyal to them."
Fan Mark Jamieson said: "For many people it will mean an end to their Saturday afternoons. I would have lived with say an extra 20 per cent, but this is too much."
John Hayes, added: "I can see Rangers fans filling every away ground next year, with mediocre home crowds."
And Alan Rogers suggested: "The answer is don't pay. We will be one of the most expensive teams in the division. These prices are just crazy and unreasonable and if nobody pays them then the club will have to have a serious rethink."