West Ham United supporters have topped a survey of fans who have said they will not be renewing their season ticket next season.
According to the poll, conducted by Virgin Money, up to one in four United season ticket holders do not intent to renew for the forthcoming 2008/09 season.With West Ham having sold around 26,000 annual tickets last season, that figure represents around 6,500 supporters - and with the average season ticket costing around £700 next year the club could stand to lose up to £5 million in lost revenue.
Season tickets for the Boleyn Ground rose by an average of 4% this year despite supporters, already struggling to meet existing sky high prices pleading with the club to defer price hikes during Fans Forums at the end of last season.
Although that figure is lower than the average rise of 7.2% across all Premier League clubs it is significantly higher than London rivals Chelsea who froze rises this term.
However a few miles North at Tottenham and prices have risen by an incredible 10% on average.
A number of supporters have backed the results of the survey; talking on KUMB.com's forum this morning, one said:
"We warned them that there was an undercurrent running against renewal. That is why I, and others, suggested a freeze on prices. I am not that surprised if there are 25% non-renewals as I have never known such disillusion.
"It is inevitable that eventually the Premier League's bubble will burst as the level of price increase has run beyond reason."
Whilst another added:
"I'm beginning to find this whole situation loathsome and I don't think fans should just accept this situation. I'm resigned to being an armchair fan as a season ticket is completely out of the question."
The Virgin Money poll canvassed opinion from approximately 3,500 supporters from all football league clubs. The top of the table, or those clubs likely to be worst hit, was as follows:
1. West Ham Utd 25%
2. Reading 22%
3. Portsmouth 21%
4. Manchester City 20%
5. Manchester Utd 19%
6. Fulham 18%
7. Bolton 17%
8. Birmingham 16%
9. Everton 14%
10. Tottenham 12%
Responding to the results, Virgin Money’s Scott Mowbray said:
"The majority of regular football fans are suffering and many are starting to vote with their feet. Not only are they suffering as the economy takes a hit but they’re also suffering as their clubs put up prices."
Whilst Chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, Malcolm Clarke, added:
"In the difficult financial climate we all face the football industry must wake up and smell the coffee. The huge amount of money pouring into the Premier League means there is absolutely no justification for any price rises at all at the top of the game.
"For too long some Premier League clubs have believed there is no limit to the extent to which they can exploit the brand loyalty of their supporters. They may now find this greed will come back to bite them on the backside."
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