Cheltenham Town's decision to class their FA Cup home game against Swindon as a Category A fixture with tickets priced accordingly has led to criticism of the Robins at a stage of the competition where the majority of league clubs drawn at home have made some kind of reduction to their normal matchday prices, recognising that this is an additional fixture at a busy time of year.
Chairman Paul Baker issued a lengthy statement on the club website in defence of the prices.
This blog doesn't exist to criticise clubs for the prices they charge, more to highlight when good value is on offer, and Mr Baker makes many sound points regarding the increased costs that will come with policing what is a high-profile local derby and the difficulties that exist in trying to successfully run a football club on a limited budget.
However I do feel he is unwise in saying, about season ticket holders: 'Is an extra £2 really going to be the difference between coming to this mouth watering fixture and staying at home?' Most cup games represent an extra outlay for season ticket holders anyway and it is possible to offer them some kind of discount whatever prices you are charging.
Anyway, fast forward four days and the Robins have decided to cut the price of terrace tickets for the home fixture against Wycombe Wanderers on November 22 with adults able to stand for £10, a saving of £6.
Mr Baker said: "We are trying to show we are listening to the fans, some of whom were not happy with the prices for the Swindon FA Cup tie."
Again, it doesn't help season ticket holders too much but it's an offer and hopefully it will entice some more people out to the game.
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