CEO Michael Dunford's Walsall programme column
There was a lot of debate in the game last week following the publication of the BBC’s annual survey into the price of football.
I was pleased to see that our cheapest match ticket was one of the least expensive in the league while to say that our season ticket package is not extremely competitive is laughable given that it gives season ticket holders who apply during the Early Bird period five free games and two free tickets at two matches during the season, the first of which is tonight. The second is the fixture against Doncaster on February 11.
We have launched various ticket initiatives we are running at the moment to attract more people to the Checkatrade.com Stadium. There really is something for everyone and in the next few weeks we will be launching our Half-Season tickets, just in time for Christmas.
A few weeks ago we introduced a ‘pass out’ system to Redz Bar for season-ticket holders in the AJD Group West Stand. Initially it was very popular, with 15 or so of you taking advantage but at the Peterborough game that number was down to three. We will continue to offer this option for the next few games but we will have to review the policy should numbers not increase as it is not cost-effective for the club to employ two stewards for such small numbers.
The draw for the southern area of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has given us a home tie against Gillingham on Tuesday, November 11, kick off 7.45pm. We have pegged prices to those we had for the first round against Cambridge and we hope a good turnout will back John Gregory and the lads. The competition starts to gather momentum now with two one-off quarter and semi-finals before an area final over two legs to decide who gets to Wembley on March 22.
Talking of cups, we will know our FA Cup first round opponents when the draw is made live on BBC2 next Monday after the fourth qualifying round takes place this weekend. Please check the website and our social media channels for the ticket details.
We were delighted that Rotherham agreed to extend Mat Sadler’s loan spell for a further month until November 11, although they haven’t allowed him to play in the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, their parent clubs has recalled both Mitchell Rose and Josh Wright so their time with us is over. We thank both for their contribution and wish them well for their respective futures.
Thanks for your continued support. Come on you Red Devils!
