Statement from chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

'It is with much regret that we are having to announce that all prices for next season are to be raised. We have tried tremendously hard over the last three seasons to keep prices to a minimum whilst providing entertaining and exciting football.

However, just like every other business out there, we have been hit with rising costs and these have been compounded by a near 79% increase in our rent, expensive maintenance and refurbishment charges and a potentially massive reduction in our Football League Basic Award. Having said this we still feel our prices will be competitive with the average cost per match for a Period 1 adult season ticket being under £12 with our under 10's still being admitted free of charge.

Whilst we have tried to absorb as much of the loss as possible we still need to make critical change to maintain the facilities and give you our fans the best possible team to support and hopefully be challenging at the top of the league for promotion.

On the positive side we have again secured financial assistance for early season ticket purchase from Zebra Finance and will be extending the Period 1 purchase time to six weeks. We have also now secured the long-term future of our football club and will be looking forward to the first planning phase … the Moyes End redevelopment.

Again I can only tell it as it is and hope that I can rely on your continued support and understanding as we keep building for the future. I am looking to smash the 5000 sales barrier matching last year's amazing effort by our fans and I only hope our loyal fan base helps us achieve this once more!'

The new prices will be released next week with Season Tickets being sold as from Monday 8th March.'