VAT-free season tickets for Caley Jags fans

CALEY Thistle have launched the sale of season tickets for the 2011-12 campaign – and will not pass on the VAT increase to season ticket buyers.

The club is introducing an "early bird" discount offer for tickets bought by June 30, after which all seats will go on sale to the general public.

Under the arrangements, the majority of ICT season ticket holders will, if they buy by June 30, pay the same as last year.

Kenny Cameron, operations director at the SPL club, said:"We’re pleased to announce that some 90 per cent of fans will have the opportunity to buy at last year’s base price, minus the one-off loyalty bonus we gave to our First Division season ticket holders.

"By also absorbing the VAT increase, we are offering tremendous value. Running an SPL club is extremely expensive but we feel that, in the current challenging economic environment, it would be unfair to pass on the VAT and other costs to our fans.

"Terry Butcher, Maurice Malpas and our players have done extremely well this season to finish in seventh place. But early season ticket income is important to the football budget and cash flow at the club."

To address situations which has arisen this season, students must now be able to show they are in full-time education, or will be for the new academic year. In addition, senior citizen eligibility rises from 60 to 65, in line with other SPL clubs. This only applies to new applications for senior citizen tickets.

The board plan to continue the experiment of using the uncovered West Stand for schools and organisations such as Boys Brigade, scouts, sports clubs and the like who will be given free tickets on application, apart from Old Firm games.

"This has proved a very popular initiative with youngsters, so we urge them to get their applications in early for the new season", said Mr Cameron.

Season tickets for disabled supporters will be charged at a fee set by CLAN, the club’s newly-formed disabled supporters club and all revenue from this category will be used to upgrade facilities within the stadium for disabled fans.

Boss Butcher said: "Everyone on the football side is extremely grateful for the wonderful support we’ve received this season. It is such a boost to hear our fans singing and urging us on. We’re moving forward on and off the field and together we can make history for this very special club."

The club website www.itcfc.co.uk gives full details of the new pricing structure.