Bradford City listen to fans as they put ticket offer back on the table (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City listen to fans as they put ticket offer back on the table

7:10am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

City joint-chairman Mark Lawn

City stretched their latest reduced ticket offer by another month after pleas from fans on the Ireland trip.

The club’s treble 50 deal – allowing season-ticket and flexi-card holders to buy another one for £25 – was due to finish on Tuesday but has now been extended until the end of August.

More than 400 tickets were sold on the first day after the original deadline and joint-chairman Mark Lawn is confident the final tally will top 9,000.

He said: “We listened to supporters in Ireland who had missed out on the ticket offer because they had been away on holiday and saving up for that trip.

“This gives those people the chance to take advantage. It’s also giving a bit back to the fans who’ve really put their money where their mouth is, the season-ticket holders, and those who have bought the 50/50.

“Those are the ones we set budgets on. We can’t do that on people who just walk in, although we obviously want their money.

“I was asked by a fan at Tadcaster if we can reduce the match-day ticket prices. Well this does that.

“So if you’re not a season-ticket holder, go see a friend who is and tap them up!”

City, who were at Guiseley in their fourth friendly last night, sense an optimistic vibe for the campaign ahead. Lawn remains cautious but believes the calibre of summer recruit bodes well.

He added: “We’ve been there before when we’ve been good on paper. It’s how good we are on grass that counts.

“But we’ve seen in pre-season we seem to be getting a good team spirit together. That always bodes well.

“We’ve tried to put a different type of player down on the pitch this year. Gary Jones is a good example. He’s 35 but he’s been the fittest man on that pitch in the friendlies. Age doesn’t matter.

“He gives you another option. We’ve not had players that hunt for the ball and always make themselves available for it to be laid off. You can see why he was a top player at Rochdale.

“In my time here, Bradford City have not had what you can call a leader. I think we’ve got them all over the park now – look at Ravenhill, Jones, Davies, even the likes of Alan Connell up front, who is a very confident young man.

“I always tell the players that if you put in all your effort the Bradford fans will give it back. You don’t have to be the best player in the world.”

Fans taking up the treble 50 offer can share the extra ticket around. It does not have to remain with the same person.

Those who have not bought either of the tickets so far can still purchase a flexicard at the original £50 price.