NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Friday, October 29, 2010

FSF backs Saints against Shrews

Hereford United's rivals up the A49 have had their plea to keep prices higher at their first round FA Cup-tie at Southampton, than they otherwise might have been, rejected. Here's how the FSF (Football Supporters Federation) have reported the story.

The FA have sided with Southampton in a dispute over the ticket prices for their upcoming FA Cup first round tie with Shrewsbury next Saturday, after the League Two club had looked to cash in on their visit to St Mary's.

With matchday prices at St Mary's typically between £24-£27 for adults and £16-£18 for youngsters, the club's announcement that tickets for the cup clash will cost no more than £15 for adults and a fiver for kids is a welcome result for fans.

The visitors had refused requests to make tickets available at the discounted rate for their visit to League One side Saints. The visitors have a say in ticket prices in FA Cup ties, as well as a vested interest, as the net gate receipts at this stage of the competition are split 50/50 between the competing clubs.

The home side, mindful of the fact that they were already due to play three league games at home in November, wanted to reward fans with lower prices and attract a bigger attendance to the tie than they otherwise may have.

As is the case when two clubs can't come to an agreement over ticketing in the Cup, the FA had to step in and arbitrate. The FA stipulate in the competition rules that where clubs can't come to a decision that the minimum ticket price allowed for first and second round matches is £10, although Southampton weren't pushing for such a drastic price-drop.

While the FA's decision to side with the Saints may well not swell the coffers of the League Two side, we're sure that their fans will be grateful at the £12 saving the FA have 'forced' on them in this instance. Any and all steps that make football more affordable are something to be applauded in our view.


Meanwhile Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner has come in for some flack from Southampton supporters who have posted their views about his stance on the Southern Daily Echo website.

Suffice it to say he is not flavour of the month on the south coast at present.