Moisley: We had to do something

MARK MOISLEY: club acted on fans' feedback

DETERMINED to do everything they can to stimulate increased gates and breed a positive atmosphere, Athletic have reduced admission prices to the LOWEST level in Sky Bet League One.

As part of a trial over the next five league games - AFC Wimbledon, Peterborough, Southend, Port Vale and Gillingham - adults can watch for only £15, with under-16s in for £5.

Interim chief executive Mark Moisley has not been put off by the damp squib of the Scunthorpe promotion last month, where awful weather conditions contributed to an attendance of only 2,911 despite a two-for-one ticket offer on the night.

And after a supporter survey indicated that fans had a real problem with the regular on-the-gate price of £24, the club have responded with another initiative.

"We are disappointed with the attendances so far and we also appreciate that much of it is down to the fact that we haven't been very successful at home this season," said Moisley.

"There is a duty there on our behalf to do everything we can off the pitch to help.

"If we can get more people in and create a really good atmosphere then hopefully, that can in turn help our results and in itself boost the crowd numbers.

"The supporters' survey we produced provided us with the feedback that fans have not been happy with the pricing we have put in place this season.

"So we have looked back at it and said that we have got it wrong.

"I don't necessarily think our communication with fans has been brilliant in the past and it's something we are keen to rectify.

IMPROVE

"It is easy to sit back and do nothing - but we are determined to try to improve things."

So far in a season that has seen one home win in the league, when leaders Scunthorpe were defeated 2-0, the average attendance across eight matches is 3,547.

That puts Athletic second-bottom of the crowds table in League One, with only Fleetwood (2,986) faring worse. Local rivals Rochdale are attracting a 3,669 average gate, though that number is ironically inflated by the 1,995 Athletic fans who made the trip to Spotland last Saturday.

Last season, Athletic's average home gate was 4,361.

For those next five home league games at SportsDirect.com Park, the on-the-day price will be £20 for adults, £12 concessions and £5 juniors.

Advance prices are £15 adults, £10 concessions and £5 juniors.

Supporters can pick up their advance tickets in person at the club's ticket office, by calling 0161 785 5150 or through www.eticketing.co.uk/oafc.

Prices have also been slashed for the upcoming home FA Cup first-round tie against Doncaster on Saturday, with entry £10 for adults payable by cash at the turnstiles.

The large section of the Jimmy Frizzell stand - formerly the Rochdale Road Stand - will be closed for that game.