Fly the flag for Latics

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS... Athletic are hoping for a bumper crowd against Carlisle, thanks to the generosity of several local companies.

ATHLETIC hope to significantly swell the crowd for next week’s home match against Carlisle United — by slashing the cost of entry to just £2.

The hefty reduction in the price of admission has been made possible thanks to the help of a band of local companies who have pledged either £500 or £1,000 in order to make up the financial shortfall on the gate at Boundary Park.

The initiative is the brainchild of Martin Thomas, of Vehicle Consulting.

And it means that fans can watch Paul Dickov’s side in action as they bid to maintain a play-off push by seeing off Carlisle United for less than the cost of a pint of beer next Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

“I was at the Hartlepool game last week and it was so disappointing that, despite a great product on the pitch, there were less than 3,000 Athletic fans in the stands at Boundary Park,” said Thomas, a big Athletic fan and season ticket holder.

“I think it is because, particularly after last season, people are out of the habit of coming to games. Add that to the recession, the fact that a £20 ticket is a lot to find for people and the three-sided stadium we have got and events have conspired against the club in terms of getting fans through the gate.

“What I would hope is that people can set aside feelings on the club’s owners, the Council and the Failsworth issue and come along to show their support against Carlisle.

“This game is all about people coming together in large numbers to show that we want a football club to thrive in this town.”

As well as Vehicle Consulting, the companies who have pledged support so far are NTC Conservatories, Mick Nield Builders, Bradbury Plumbing and Heating Supplies, MK Group, Coversure Insurance and RWS Shepley.

And the Chronicle is promoting the game by featuring a full-page advertisement every night this week.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “In addition to the companies who have pledged money, I would like to thank the Chronicle for providing advertising space and Eden Design Solutions for producing the artwork free of charge.

“Without their help, turning this around so quickly wouldn’t have been possible.”

No advance tickets are available for the Carlisle game, with fans paying their £2 admission on the gate.

Supporters who have already bought tickets for the match can obtain refunds if they wish.

“I hope our season ticket holders will understand what we are trying to achieve,” Hardy added.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of the companies involved and if season ticket holders have the future of the club at heart I am sure they will embrace the initiative.”