Fans Forum - Away Tickets distribution

Fans Forum Interim Update

A Working Group from the Fans Forum is currently considering proposals to review Away Tickets distribution. The agreed objective was to try to improve chances for regular season ticket (SP) applicants, including younger fans & families, who are not in LP while keeping current LP/Exec/ST structure. The WG includes representation from all ‘categories’ of away applicant.

So far we have sought feedback on issues and ideas through fanzines and analysed application data and other information provided by the club. After an initial discussion at the October Forum, last week we met with club officials to progress emerging ideas and had a very constructive discussion. The main ideas that we are now actively developing are a possible qualifying period for new season ticket holders, limited rebalancing of allocation splits, and some preference for new younger fans (Family and Under 21s). We are also looking at a number of options to control distribution, in particular to reduce tickets diverted to premium price sources, including a possible registration scheme/ID card (although we do not want to prevent face value exchanges).

All of those at the meeting, including club officials, strongly supported the long term retention of a Loyalty Scheme. However, a new emerging thought is whether the current Loyalty Pot should be opened up and made dynamic, based on more recent application history, with suitable protection for current LP. However this needs much more development and consultation on how it might operate, if indeed it is feasible.

We need to feed back to the next full Fans Forum due on 8th February but will communicate widely immediately after that meeting seeking views, including in particular on any proposals around the Loyalty Pot. While this update will undoubtedly lead to further fanzine debate please bear with us until February when we will organise a more structured discussion.

Fans Forum Working Group

17th December