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Prices at the County Ground are already among the most expensive in the
division, but despite that, attendances are up by over 2,000 on average
compared to last season, well above the budgeted figure. As recently as
January the club cited the increased support this season as the reason they
were able to bolster the squad with the signing of Rory Fallon from
Barnsley, and make a substantial cash bid to sign Jerel Ifil from Watford.
Trust chairman Andy Ratcliffe said :"The club cites increased costs as
justification for the price rises, but average attendances are up by 40%
compared to last season. If the running costs have increased by that much,
how can we believe the club when they tell us they are running a 'tight
ship'"
"The picture that has been painted by the club recently is that the
club's finances, while hardly thriving, were at least on a solid footing.
These latest price rises can only cast doubt over the financial situation
behind the scenes, particularly in the continued absence of any published up
to date accounts." added Ratcliffe
TrustSTFC are also disappointed at the lack of consultation with
supporters prior to the announcement of the prices. Trust Communications
Officer Tony Norris said :"We were given a preview of the proposed prices
back in March, but the announced prices have risen substantially compared to
the prices we were shown then, and none of the concerns we raised seem to
have been taken on board"