FFC Results: Fans Making Sacrifices

Recent FFC Research has contributed to findings published today by Finance Firm ING Direct.

Many fans are having to make financial sacrifices to pay for their next season ticket even though clubs are cutting or freezing prices, according to the research.

The FFC study of more than 2,000 season ticket holders of Premier League clubs run for ING showed that one in four had already saved up to renew their seat at leading grounds.

ING Direct said its research suggested that clubs had made the right decision on prices, with one in 10 fans replied that they would not renew their season tickets if they were more expensive.

Supporters of Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham were more likely to have given up their ticket, whereas Arsenal, Stoke and Sunderland fans were most likely to pay "whatever it takes" to follow their club.

Around two out of five fans said they had been forced to make serious financial sacrifices as they struggled to pay to renew their ticket.

ING Direct chief executive Johan de Wit said: "Many of our customers have dedicated savings plans in place to manage the cost of their season ticket.

"However, it's clear by the research that lots of supporters find it difficult to deal with such a large outlay at the beginning of the season, so it's good to see the majority of Premier League teams appreciate this and are not taking fans loyalty for granted."

(Reported from PA News)