15,000 Season Ticket Holders

So, we look to be at the 15,000 season-ticket mark on the basis that the club have said we are 2,500 short of last year's August total. With a final week to go before the free season ticket offer deadline closes (1st August), we should reduce that gap to 2,000. That's pretty good going and probably better than most people's guess at the end of the season.

The club is also telling us that 700 of those are new season ticket holders. It would be good to know whether these are from people and addresses never previously registerred or simply people who didn't have tickets last year. I suspect it's the latter but it would be interesting to know as a measure of how we might be able to increase our appeal to new fans. The ongoing development of the south-east is often quoted as offering as significant potential new support and if this is an indicator, then that would respresent real optimism for the Target 40,000 initiative which has, understandably, taken a buffetting in recent seasons.

What's more, the value of 15,000 committed payments is probably as good if not better than the club forecast and can only be good news at the bank and with sponsors. I think it demonstrates too that our hardcore fan base is actually stronger than many of us thought. Premier League football undoubtedly attracts Glory Boys as well as those who would only watch top flight football, but as we approach our second season in the Championship, I think the indications are that they haven't actually been there in any great numbers. All of this in the current economic climate as well, which speaks volumes of the club's pricing policy.

So, some positive news in the increasingly choppy waters of supportive opinion as speculation continues around outgoing rather than incoming transfers. I am as frustrated as anyone about this but believe we will get our business done, even if late in the day. What will be key this season is how the attitude of the remaining squad has changed and whether or not there is sufficient confidence and self-belief that they can get promoted. The large number of outgoings could be viewed as rats leaving the sinking ship or an opportunity for a smaller squad to get more appearances, develop better teamwork and show their quality. As I have said before, a fast start is imperative if we are to foster the latter, which is why I am disappointed we haven't strengthened the midfield sooner.

In terms of the pre-season, I don't think we have been tested yet. None of the opposition has yet been anywhere near capable of matching us and, whilst Brighton will be a step up, it will hardly be a test. Atletico Bilbao will be the real deal assuming they approach the game seriously but I would have preferred one or two stronger games before we kick-off.